Submit your question to Mr. Know-It-All

Is huffing illegal?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Yes! In Tennessee, huffing is a class A misdemeanor. If you are caught huffing you can be sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in jail. This law is for inhaling, selling, giving or possessing glue, paint, gasoline, aerosol, gases, etc., for unlawful purposes. This same law also makes it illegal to sell materials for someone else to huff. This is a class E felony and carries 1-2 years in jail.

what is the drinking age

Mr. Know-It-All Says:The legal drinking age is 21.

i know people that drink or want to drink and i dont no how to tell them its wrong without sounding pushy or getting into their business, which would just make things worse. help?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:If they told you they drink or want to drink then you're not gettng into their business. When you see an opportunity present itself to talk to these people about the dangers of alcohol take it, because you are just letting them know that you care.

over this past weekend some of my friends came to school talking about there drinking expernces. I told them it was so stupid! Then they sad i was stupid 4 not doing it. what do i say and do?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Good for you for standing up for what you believe in and also for caring about your friends. There are a few techniques that you can try if this happens again. You can try changing the subject, talking things out, turning the table on them, or just refuse to continue the conversation and walk away. these techniques usually work and your friends will respect you for your decision and possibly change their own decisions. what doesn't work is yelling, continually making excuses or getting angry.

When pressured to do something dangerous or illegal, the best thing to do is to ask yourself, "Is this the kind of friend I want?" and then accept that the loss of a friendship is a necessary consequence where personal safety or important values are involved.

how much damage is done to your body after just haveing one glass of alcohol

Mr. Know-It-All Says:There have been numerous questions asked my Putnam County teenagers about the health benefits of having one glass of alcohol per day. Many studies show that consuming no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks for men is safe, and perhaps even heart healthy. However, *these studies were done on adults, not adolescents*.

First and foremost, it is illegal for adolescents to consume alcohol, even just one drink. the fact that you would be breaking the law should be enough reason for a teen to abstain from drinking.

Unfortunately, some people can't stop at just one or two drinks. Teenagers are more likely than adults to engage in binge drinking and could be more vulnerable to long-term brain changes following alcohol abuse. Too much alcohol can result in seriou health consequences. Heavy alcohol intake can damage the liver, causing cirrhosis, a fatal disease. Excessive drinking also can raise blood pressure and damage the heart, and is linked to many different cancers including mouth, esophagus, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. the health risks are even greater for those who not only drink but smoke as well.

Is drinking okay with parent supervision?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Drinking is still against the law, even with parent supervision. You could be charged with illegal consumption and your parent could be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor... even if that minir is their own child.

Are the members of this coalition actually from Putnam County?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Yes, Power of Putnam is Putnam County's Community Anti-Drug Coalition. All of the members are from Putnam County or work for an agency in Putnam County. the kNOw POWER Youth Coalition is a group of teens in Putnam County that pledge to be drug and alcohol-free and who strive to help their community to be the same.

who do people drink to make them feel better

Mr. Know-It-All Says:People may think that drinking will make them feel better, when actually alcohol is a depressant which often makes the person feel worse.

when someone is on drugs for a long period of time how can you get them to stop if rehab or nothing works?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:This is usually a decision that the person has to make on their own. You can help them by setting boundaries and sticking to them. If it is someone that you care about, you can refuse to be around them or not support them by giving them money or driving them places. Ask your guidance counselor or church leader about setting boundaries and expectations. Check out www.al-anon.alateen.org for info on how to deal with loved ones who have drinking/drug problems.

What kind alcohol is the worst for you?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Beer, Liquor, Wine... If you're a teenager, they are all bad for your health... all can lead to addiction or binge drinking... all illegal if you're under 21.

Isn't it okay if I only drink one drink just to be a part of the crowd?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:If you're under 21 it's never okay to drink because it's against the law. You can get in just as much trouble for drinking one beer as you can for drinking five. And usually one beer will lead to another. Besides, if you're drinking JUST to be a part of the crowd, then it sounds like you don't really want to. Stand up for what you believe in. You might be surprised at the reaction you'll get by saying NO.

Is It Ok To Drink Energy Drinks And Drive?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Drinking most energy drinks is not going to impair your driving, but they aren't the best choice for you health. However, some energy drinks do contain alcohol, so be careful and watch what you drink.

How can I stop my parents from drinking?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:If your parents have a problem with drinking, go to another adult that you trust to talk to them about it. There are lots of resources available to help those who have drinking problems.

Since the majority of teens these days go to cookeville to hang out, why can't we have something to do while we're there. That way it will keep us off of the streets and away from illegal substances?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:There are things to do in Cookeville like go to the movies, go bowling or go to a public pool. Churches and parks usually offer a great place to play basketball or frisbee golf, play video games, or just hang out. the kNOwPOWER Youth Anti-Drug Coalition will begin monthly meetings in the fall. It is a group of teens that get together to help make their community drug-free. they can plan activities and events for teens in Putnam County, like a fifth-quarter dance after a football game, tailgate parties, or a dodgeball tournament. They also have access to funding for these events. Check back to the website for more info.

Isn't it possible that the students in putnam county you asked if they'd ever drank, lied?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:It is possible, but the surveys are administered by professionals who use certain methods to get the most accurate results as possible. The reality is that EVERYONE doesn't drink. It may seem like that when you know a lot of people who do, but it is not the "norm". there are a lot of kids who don't drink. This is shown not only for Putnam County, but also across the state and the nation.

what if my friend are doing it

Mr. Know-It-All Says:If you have friends that use alcohol or drugs you should try to get them help. If you feel comfortable with it, let them know that you are concerned about it. Or you can speak with an adult that you can trust like a teacher or counselor. Tell them your concerns about your friend. Let them know you don't want to get your friend in trouble, but you want them to get help. If the problem continues, you should stay away from these friends until they stop using. Most importantly, don't let them influence you!

how many drinks does it take to get uder the influence?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Alcohol affects everyone differently. Multiple factors including height, weight, gender and what you have had to eat that day and when, all play a significant role in how many drinks can make a person under the influence. There is no 'magic number'.

In any case, studies have shown that impairment begins with the first drink. If you rarely drink, you could be severely impaired by a single beer. For the most part, by the time you feel drunk, you're well past the legal limit.

What is LSD?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:The formal name is Lysergic acid diethylamide also known as acid. LSD is a hallucinogen, which makes you see or hear things that aren't really there. LSD raises body temperature, increases heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleepliness, dry mouth, tremors, can cause profuse sweating, dilated pupils, and can cause death. It can also alter a person's sense of time and self. Because LSD can be unpredictable in its effects, its use can be extremely dangerous.

do drugs cost a lot of money?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Illegal drugs cost a lot of money and a whole lot more! Drugs can cost you your family, friends, job, health and life. Since they can cost a person all that, I would say drugs are EXPENSIVE!

what do they really do if they catch you drinking underage?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Multiple things can happen. First you will be detained and your parents will be called. You will be charged with Illegal Consumption and you and a parent will have to go to court in front of a judge. The judge usually sentences you to complete community service hours (for juveniles this is usually at the recycling center on Friday nights for a minimum of 6 hours), you will be on probation for 6 months to a year and you could get driving privileges suspended for 180 days , counseling, juvenile delinquency classes, and fines to pay. It's really not worth it!

is the bac the same for every state?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Yes, 0.08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is the same for all the states.

Although .08 percent BAC is now the law in all 50 states, there are even lower thresholds for younger drivers in some states. In fact, in tough states like Illinois, there is a "zero tolerance" policy for drivers under the age of 21. In other words, if you are under 21 and have any level of alcohol in your blood, even .01 percent, you are subject to a DUI or DWI conviction. In Tennessee, the "zero tolerance" level is .02.

what is meth

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Meth-Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant substance that affects the central nervous system. Methamphetamine can causes hallucinations, possible brain damage, heart diseases, dry mouth making it difficult to swallow food, high blood pressure, poor decision making skills, dependency, addiction, and even possibly death.

what is the drinking age

Mr. Know-It-All Says:The legal drinking age is 21.

What age group are you trying to reach with this website? It seems like this is more for middle-schoolers.

Mr. Know-It-All Says:The website is itended to be for middle school and high school students. We would love to have advice on better ways to target both age groups.

is this a blog?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:Currently the kNOw POWER website is not a blog. We would love to have your feedback on what would make this site better for teens!

Isn't it okay if I only drink one drink just to be part of the crowd?

Mr. Know-It-All Says: Drinking makes you do things that look stupid. You can be stupid or be smart. Either way, it's your choice.

How can I KNOW™ if my best friend has a problem with drinking?

Mr. Know-It-All Says: Your friend may have trouble remembering things, have problems at school or with the police, or they may lie about how much they drink, or think they have to drink to have fun. If you think there’s a problem, use your KNOW Power and tell someone who can help, like your teacher, a pastor or other adult.

Why is drinking such a big deal if I only drink at parties and I never drink and drive?

Mr. Know-It-All Says: Alcohol rots your brain! It's that simple. It can affect your coordination, memory and motor skills – that means you can't control your arms and legs. It can ruin the things you love to do. Besides, how are you getting home from the party? Somebody’s got to drive.

I can drive just fine when I drink. What's the big deal?

Mr. Know-It-All Says: Wrong! That's the alcohol talking, not you. You think a racecar driver drinks before a race? NO way!

My boyfriend tells me I’m more fun when I’m drinking. It makes me feel more attractive too. How should I handle that?

Mr. Know-It-All Says: Tell him it makes you reek – both your breath, your body. And it makes you fat, stumble and slur your words. That’s attractive! Oh, and losing your lunch on the living room floor is glam, too.

What can I say when my friends tell me I don't KNOW what I'm missing?

Mr. Know-It-All Says: Ask them if they've ever jumped out of a plane without a parachute. Tell them you're smart enough to KNOW some things are wrong without having to try them.

One of my friends got really sick drinking at a party last night. It really freaked me out. What should I do if it happens again?

Mr. Know-It-All Says: Call 911 immediately. Violent vomiting is the first sign of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning happens when the body can’t absorb the alcohol as fast as it’s drunk. Your friend could die or go into a coma.

I don't want to look like a dork to my friends. How can I tell them I don't want to drink?

Mr. Know-It-All Says:It’s okay to say no without an explanation. But if you need a reason, you could say, “Well pukin’ ain’t cool and neither is looking like a fool,” or just tell them you can have a good time without it, you don’t want to trash your fun.

I am depressed all the time. I use alcohol just to take the edge off and forget my problems. That won't hurt, will it?

Mr. Know-It-All Says: KNOW this! Alcohol slows down your system and causes you to be more depressed. And your problems will still be there when you stop drinking. Better to talk to a friend.

The coach offered us some alcohol when we were over at his house the other day. It made me really uncomfortable, but if he thinks it's okay what should I do?

Mr. Know-It-All Says: Tell another teacher or other adult, and stay away from your coach's house. He has a real problem if he is giving alcohol to kids. That’s just dumb!