Teaching middle school has really opened my eyes to the challenges that children of today face.  Unfortunately, many the kids who were starting to try drugs and alcohol when I was a teen are now parents who haven’t truly grown up.  These parents are unable to be responsible role models and support systems for their children.  Too often the children in these situations also turn to drugs and alcohol, creating a vicious cycle that entwines all those involved.  The authors of this unconventional book, Savanna Peterson and Jill Vanderwood, share extremely candid details about their experiences with substance abuse.  Many of these details are first-hand stories of child neglect, parental abuse, and other sad tales.  The book also includes interviews with many drug abusers.  The book contains messages of hope, too.  Savanna clearly and loudly sends a plea for teens to stay away from drugs and alcohol.  Experts such as pharmacists and doctors give advice and statistics.  The end of the book also encourages students to become involved in service organizations such as the Key Club.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Honestly speaking, this book is not a warm-and-fuzzy “just say no” message.  It’s a gritty, gruesome reminder of the aftermath that drugs cause.  Several parts of the book are heartbreaking because it’s clear that Savanna was not given the parenting she deserved.  It’s also extremely necessary to discuss these things with teens.  After all, I would guess that many teens think that Benadryl is perfectly okay to experiment with.  After all, it’s sold over the counter.  One story in the book clearly explains the dangers that one child faced when taking 25 Benadryl pills.  The overall theme of the book reminds kids that they might not have a choice about the adults in their lives, but the teen can make the decision to personally avoid the horrors of drug abuse.   I would like to see a section with color photographs of pills and side effects of drug use.  Children are visual creatures.  Such images might be strikingly frightening; however, few things speak to children more than images.  A contact section would also be helpful—perhaps an appendix to include organizations where teens might turn for help in escaping the dangers of drug abuse.  Drugs Make You Un-Smarter would be a great resource for counselors and behavior modification therapists.  If you’re the parent or if you suspect that your child might be involved in drugs, you definitely should consider reading this book to be alerted to the warning signs.  I haven’t heard of the term “straight edge.”  I also didn’t know many of the drugs that are available to children.  What an eye-opener!  The book isn’t really meant to be strong literary material.  It’s definitely unlike other books in that there is no holding back.

Like Savanna, I have been around drug and alcohol abuse my entire life.  Few people know that about me.  I don’t seem like the typical drug abuser’s/alcoholic’s child.  That’s a personal choice that I’ve made. I learned from an early age that I wanted my life to be different.  Like Savanna, I was fortunate enough to have a grandmother who taught me that I was worth believing in.  Because of people like Savanna who had the nerve to stand tall and choose another path, I was able to overcome the hurdles that threatened to destroy my path.  I hope that many teens will read Drugs Make You Un-Smarter and take its message to heart.

I would suggest purchasing the paperback version of this book so that it can be passed on and shared with as many people as possible.

Check out the authors’ page to find out more about this book.  There’s also an assortment of information available, such as ideas for teens to stay occupied (and otherwise stay away from drugs/alcohol), help for parents, and an interesting biography of Savanna.