alcohol | BriteYouth

THE BRITE BLOG

We share the voices, opinions and stories of many Ventura County youth and young adults here. Not all posts reflect the opinion of BRITE or our sponsors. Managed by Ashley Heatherly.

Behind the Reality Party: A Reality Check on Teen Substance Use

A college student discusses her experience attending a Reality Party for Parents event, the importance of communication, and the need to change the normalization of party culture.

Gracie

Nov 172 min read

We see the perspective of standing in a dark tunnel, with railroad tracks extending to the horizon. At the end of the tunnel is a visible arch with two people standing in it, walking on what appears to be white snow. There is a light emanating from the entrance of the tunnel giving a sense of hope and forward momentum.

Benadryl

A poem written by a college student about her experience witnessing an ex-boyfriend overdose, and how there is always a light at the end of the tunnel even when things feel hopeless.

Anonymous

Oct 242 min read

A group of young kids is sitting together, each holding and looking at a smartphone. The quote below the photo reads, "Parents, educators, and community leaders should engage young people in discussions about the realities of substance use, helping them to identify and question the messages they consume."

Popular Culture and Substance Use

A college student discusses the ways in which pop culture such as TV, movies, and social media portray substance use and the negative influence it can have on youth and young people.

Janette

Apr 292 min read

A close-up image of several young people holding up glasses of hard alcohol as if they are cheering. We can see their faces smiling and blurry in the background.

The Problems of Parents/Caregivers Providing Alcohol to Young Adolescents

A college student discusses the dangers of parents & caregivers normalizing alcohol use and allowing their kids to drink at home, especially while under 21.

Janette

Sep 29, 20243 min read

A man with salt and pepper hair holds a mostly empty bottle of hard alcohol to his forehead. He appears solemn and distraught.

Living With An Alcoholic Father

A college student discusses how her dad's alcoholism has affected her family and her decision not to drink.