SUPPORT IN YOUR COMMUNITY
NMDOH Helpline
1-833-796-8773
For Youth Support and Resources(Text Message):
* REACH NM - (505) 591-9444: This is a text message support line for youth to connect with a trained CYFD advocate for resources, support, or to report suspected abuse or neglect. It’s free and anonymous.
For Emotional, Mental, or Substance Use Support:* New Mexico’s 988: This is a confidential lifeline for emotional, mental, or alcohol and drug use support.
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line: (855) NMCRISIS / (855) 662-7474:Statewide crisis and access hotline.
POISON CONTROL
1-800-222-1222 (Toll Free)
You may call this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to a poison expert. If you suspect you or someone near you may have alcohol poisoning, call immediately to determine how serious the case is. Also call if you have a question about poison prevention.
Alcohol poisoning happens when someone drinks way too much, way too fast. It can mess with your body’s most important functions, like breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and even your ability to stay conscious. In the worst cases, it can lead to a coma or even death. If you ever think someone has alcohol poisoning, don’t wait. Call 911 and get help right away.
To start off, brain damage and seizures. But even more serious than that, a major danger of alcohol poisoning is choking on your own vomit, which can happen when you’re unconscious or sleeping. Drinking depresses the gag reflex. You can literally suffocate. And don’t think you can just sleep it off. Even after you pass out, alcohol in your stomach keeps entering your bloodstream making it worse. If it goes unchecked, you risk permanent brain damage.
An EMT / first responder’s priority is simply your health and safety. Call 911. NewMexico’s medical amnesty law protects you and your friend from certain underage drinking charges if the only reason adults find out about the drinking is because you called for medical help. Your safety comes first.
It’s okay to not drink! And guess what… most teens don’t drink. The part a lot of people struggle with is when friends or strangers ask why… which is actually pretty intrusive, and you do NOT owe them an explanation. Lots of people can’t drink because of medications they’re taking, or they have a family history with alcohol they don’t want to replicate, or or or. If you’re offered alcohol and want to keep it simple, a quick “I’m good” or “No thanks” usually does the job. If it makes things easier, keep a soda, water, or sparkling water and lime in your hand. It helps you blend in without pretending.
See above. You never have to explain yourself. The easiest way is to say no clearly and confidently. If you want, you can give a reason, walk away, avoid the situation, change the subject, or stick with a friend so you have backup.
Offer them alternatives: food, water. Be the one to queue music people actually want to dance to. Either you’re the yapper or you’re the listener, it might take some good tea to distract them from drinking. As you might’ve noticed, social drinking is just nervous people needing something with their hands, so they don’t feel awkward standing around. Keep them occupied, and back them up if anyone pushes.
First things first, if you ever feel like you or someone else is in danger, call 911 right away. Your safety is the priority, and that means finding a way home without taking risks. Never get into a car with someone who has been drinking. Even if they seem okay, and they swear they are, they might not be. Instead, line up a sober ride. Call a parent, guardian, trusted adult, or sober friend. (Most parents would rather you call them than end up in a dangerous situation.) If it’s available in your area, you can use a ride share service or public transportation, but try not to travel alone. Bottom line, it may feel awkward, but keeping yourself and your friends safe is the only way to go.
Honestly? Alcohol is kind of everywhere. You see it in ads, movies, sports, music, even on your feed. And that makes it feel “normal.” The alcohol industry is huge, worth over $250 Billion in the U.S., and a lot of that money goes into making drinking look fun and glamorous. But here’s the real story… most teens don’t drink. Choosing not to is way more common than you might think, and it’s the best way to protect your health, your brain, and your future.
