A surprising number of young people make mistakes near graduation time

It's hard to believe that seniors in high school, young people who've made good decisions all along are suddenly susceptible to bad choices in the days and weeks just before they graduate.

It's sad but true. Contrary to logic, some seniors are more likely, not less, to make big mistakes before graduation day. Maybe it's the excitement of earning a diploma- passing the first milestone of life- that creates vulnerability. Despite the level of maturity they've achieved, some young people are willing to risk it all just before commencement.

We're talking, of course, about drugs and alcohol.

Why would a senior make such a poor choice just before graduating from high school?

There are many reasons, although none of them justify such bad thinking. Many seniors complain that they're bored and anxious for the next phase of their lives. Others turn to illegal substances because it gives them "something to do with friends."

Others get loaded because they think it's "cool" or a sign of growing up. Some do it because of peer pressure- "All my friends are doing it," they say.

Here are some of the other excuses for taking drugs or alcohol:

"It helps me cope with stress," "It makes me comfortable in social settings," "I'm rebelling," "It helps me sleep" (or "keeps me awake"), "I just like getting high," "It makes playing video games or listening to music more fun" and "It relieves my emotional or physical pain."

Taking alcohol or drugs also removes inhibitions and makes people more likely to become sexually active.

Young people should stay sober during this important time in their lives, and they should avoid peers who are already making bad choices.

Now is an especially good time for parents to again ask their children how they're doing, and to remind them of the following:

Drinking alcohol is illegal until age 21.

Drugs are illegal, period. When you're 18, your whole life is ahead of you, so make it a safe and sober grad night.