HadEnough
Had Enough is a United Methodist prevention and intervention movement for youth and young adults around the world. This movement raises the voices of young Christians who choose not to use alcohol and other drugs and want to help those who do. Had Enough informs, equips and empowers you to make a difference as an individual and as part of the United Methodist global connection.
HadEnough Devozine: A Devotional Resource with Reflections on Substance Abuse and Violence Concerns for Young People
This book is a collection of devotions and other resources by and for young United Methodists and others. Its purpose is to provide inspiration and a Christian reference for young people on the subject of substance abuse and related violence and their prevention.
- Sunday school teachers and small group leaders can use this book to highlight scripture that pertains to young people’s choices and how these choices affect them in mind, body, and spirit.
- Youth leaders and parents can use this book to open discussions with teens about the role faith can play in the choices they make related to substance use or abuse.
- Young people can use this book for personal devotional time and for encouragement to resist the use of alcohol and other drugs.
We hope this book will inspire and motivate young United Methodists and others to obtain knowledge about substance abuse and related violence, to resist social pressures, and make healthy decisions for themselves when faced with peer pressure and temptation.
HadEnough’s Core Message for Youth
Most young people do not use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. You decide what is cool as much as anyone else does. Being drug-free is cool. Most of the people you look up to don’t do drugs.
There are negative consequences to drug use. Drugs can mess up your life in ways you never imagined. They can make you lose control, harm your relationships with family and friends, damage educational and career achievements, and even permanently alter your appearance. Worse, drugs can kill you.
You have resistance skills that are stronger than social pressure. Refusing to do drugs doesn’t make you foolish or “uncool.”
A drug-free lifestyle has clear and positive benefits. Not using drugs gives you the power to shape your identity, achieve your dreams and goals, stay healthy, and earn the respect of peers and adults.
HadEnough’s Core Message for Adults
Illegal drugs, misused prescription medications, alcohol, and tobacco are harmful. Alcohol and tobacco are indeed drugs that limit both teens’ and adults’ ability to function appropriately. Prescription drug abuse is on the rise and can lead to health problems, including addiction. Illegal drugs, like marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, and club drugs, can negatively affect every area of one’s life.
Your child is at risk too. Every child is at risk for trying or using drugs, even children from “good” families.
Young people often rebel against authority, but they also see and hear. Your words and actions matter when it comes to keeping teens drug-free, even when you think they’re not listening or paying attention to you.
Parenting is a tough job, but parents can enhance their skills. Simple parenting techniques—such as establishing and enforcing clear rules, praising and rewarding desirable behavior, and staying involved in teenagers’ daily lives—help deter drug abuse.
You do not have to be a professional counselor or experienced teacher or clergy member to build meaningful relationships with youth. You just have to care about them, be honest with them, and listen to them.
--Adapted from the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. www.mediacampaign.org
[Excerpt from Had Enough Devozine]