You’ve heard it before, right?
“Everyone’s vaping.”
“Parties are all about drinking.”
“High school = weed everywhere.”
But here’s the truth: most of us aren’t doing any of that.
We get it—it can feel like you’re missing out if you’re not following the crowd. But guess what? That “crowd” is way smaller than you think.
What’s Actually Happening?
The majority of Cambridge teens say no to alcohol, vaping, and weed. Yep, most. The idea that
“everyone’s doing it”? Just a myth.
Vaping in the bathroom? Meh, not as popular as people say.
Everyone partying? Most teens are finding better ways to spend their time.
Smoking = cool? Nope. Confidence is what’s cool.
Almost nobody in middle school uses substances.
See for yourself!
96% DON’T use alcohol
98% DON’T vape
99% DON’T use marijuana
99% DON’T use cigarettes
Even in high school, most students aren’t using.
The numbers don’t lie!
81% DON’T use alcohol
90% DON’T vape
85% DON’T use marijuana
94% DON’T use cigarettes
Why It Matters
Get Informed or Get Influenced—it’s your choice. It’s easy to believe the hype, but the facts tell a
different story. Most teens in Cambridge aren’t using substances—and they’re thriving without it.
People don’t always talk about why some turn to substances. It’s not always about fun—it’s often about
stuff like stress, pressure, or just wanting to feel like they fit in. But let’s be real: fitting in doesn’t have to
mean giving in.
So, What Do Real Friends Value?
Laughing till it hurts without needing anything extra.
Being bold enough to say, ‘Nah, I’m good.’
Having each other’s backs—for real.
Get Informed or Get Influenced.
Step into the majority —be the real you: confident, smart, fun, and totally independent.
Follow us on Instagram for truths, tips, and a community where you don’t need substances to fit in.
Because being authentic is so much better than faking it to fit in.
Resources
Simple, real-life tips by teens, for teens, on how to confidently say no to substances while staying true to yourself.
If you or a friend are struggling with substances, you’re not alone. The Helpline offers confidential support, answers your questions, and connects you to treatment and recovery services for youth. Call, text, or chat for judgment-free help.
Support to quit smoking, vaping, and tobacco.
A mental health and well-being resource curated by youth, for youth, that includes tools and support to help destigmatize mental health conversations.
ABOUT GET INFORMED OR GET INFLUENCED
Get Informed or Get Influenced is a youth-led campaign sponsored by the Cambridge Public Health Department to reduce substance use among middle and high school students. The initiative challenges common misperceptions about youth substance use—such as alcohol, vaping, marijuana, and cigarettes—by sharing accurate, peer-driven messages. By reshaping social norms, the campaign aims to reduce the impact of these misconceptions on youth attitudes and behaviors.
