March 2014 – The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse has launched a new student led campaign supporting teens committed to a healthy lifestyle by staying alcohol and drug free. The “Committed” Campaign replaces “Free for the Weekend” and signifies a shift by CADA to engage both teens and their parents in the fight against substance abuse.

Students in CADA’s Friday Night Live, a youth leadership program, came up with the “Committed” name and designed the wristbands, underwritten by Union Bank. Alondra Broeffle, a member of Friday Night Live, says wearing the wristbands represents, “that we don’t have to do drugs and alcohol to have fun.” The group believes there are plenty of other options for having a good time. Breana Jimenez explains, “We love going to the beach, hiking, or really just hanging with friends and doing nothing, and Netflix!”

Others in the group have had personal experiences with alcohol and drug abuse. One teen says her older brother was arrested and sent to a treatment program for substance abuse. She says as a result, “I learned what I didn’t want to do by watching my brother. Also, I didn’t want my parents to worry.”

Student leaders will launch the campaign in local schools beginning April 7th and plan to distribute over five-thousand “Committed” wristbands to their peers. Youth-led classroom presentations will engage hundreds of students in conversation about the risks associated with underage drinking and substance use while lunchtime activities and pledging will highlight the benefits of committing to a healthy lifestyle. Parents are also encouraged to participate in the “Committed” Campaign by signing a parent-pledge available on the CADA website.

Photo op – Wednesday, April 10th, Dos Pueblos High School

10:50-11:45am, School Assembly * 12:30-1pm, Special Lunch-Time Activities

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