About 75 percent of high school seniors admitted to drinking alcohol at some point during their high school years, while 58 percent reported having been drunk at least once, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s most recent survey, in 2005. Ninety-two percent of high school students believe it’s easy to obtain alcohol while half of the teens surveyed said they used an illegal drug by their high school graduation.

To psychologist Russell Hyken, these statistics come as no surprise.

“The teenage brain is wired to make impulsive decisions,” Hyken said. “Drinking may look fun or mature to teens, so many decide to experiment. Unfortunately, many teens enjoy the experience and, as a result, seek out drugs or alcohol.”

Though the number of teen drinkers and drug users is high, some teens are skeptical about whether these figures are applicable to the Jewish population. Patrick Murdock, a junior at Marquette High School and a Reform Jew, feels that Jewish teens are less likely to be involved in these illegal activities not only because of their religion, but also because of their upbringing.

“I find that drug and alcohol use is more prevalent and tends to be a more regular habit among my non-Jewish friends. Jewish families raise their kids to think through the consequences of their actions,” Patrick said.

Hyken agrees that teens’ family life plays an important role in their decision to drink or use drugs.

“Having a good, open relationship with parents who continually and appropriately reinforce the message that kids should not drink is probably the most important factor in the decision to stay sober,” Hyken said.

However, others argue that teens’ personal religious beliefs impact their choices more than family values. Andrew Brick, a junior at Parkway North High School and a Traditional Jew, believes a teen’s level of religious observance is a determining factor in decision making.

“The title of being ‘Jewish’ does not impact the habits and decisions of my friends regarding drugs and alcohol,” Andrew said. “My inobservant Jewish friends are no more or less likely to engage in these activities than anyone else. However, I have almost no Conservative, Traditional or Orthodox friends who are involved in these activities.”

Sarah Rothberg, a Conservative Jewish senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, agrees.

“The teens I know that are considered to be ‘more religious’ don’t usually do drugs or drink alcohol, but there are always exceptions,” Sarah said. “Some Jewish teens I know do these things like other non-Jewish teens. Some only drink during religious events like Passover or Shabbat, while others have no religious reason for drinking.”

Although wine plays an important role in Jewish holidays and traditions, the Torah warns that alcohol “bites like a snake” in Proverbs 23:21. Even the Orthodox Union warn against allowing teenagers to drink wine during Simchat Torah celebrations. The same principle regarding use and misuse applies to drugs as well, not just for teenagers, but for all Jews. Many interpreters of the Torah explain that drugs are only condoned when used for a strictly medical purpose.

However, some teens, such as Ben Kweskin, a senior at Parkway Central High School, do not take Judaism into account when making decisions regarding drugs and alcohol as their religious views become more liberal.

“Being a Reform Jew, it is unclear [to me] as to Judaism’s intent on how to deal appropriately with drugs and alcohol. I believe that the increasing trend towards a more liberal Judaism has altered progress on these issues and distorts the original intent of Judaism to dissuade from them,” Ben said.

As shown by numerous surveys and statistics, many teens do choose to drink alcohol or use drugs. According to Hyken, no matter what the motivation, it is important to seek professional help when struggling with a problem such as drugs or alcohol abuse. Hyken also has advice for those teens who want to stay away from these substances.

“Get involved in many different activities such as youth groups, sports and school clubs,” Hyken said. “If you find yourself around a group that uses, you will have other options available to you. And of course, remember to just say no.”