Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol impair your judgment and can hurt you. And there's also the fact that drinking and drugs are illegal - you don't want to spend prom night in lockup.

Be sure you have a safe ride home, whether it's a designated driver, parent, or that chauffeur-driven limo. It's also a good idea to have cab fare or to bring a cell phone and the number of an older sibling or parent just in case your ride gets wild.

Substances like alcohol and drugs can also play a role in teens' losing their virginity on prom night. The decision to have sex is an important personal choice that involves many factors. Don't feel pressure to have sex just because it's a special night - your night will be even more memorable if your memories are happy instead of regretful. In fact, lots of girls and guys who think about it in advance decide that there's enough excitement on prom night anyway - and that having sex is a special, personal decision that shouldn't just be a sideline to prom fun.

Prom can be magical. But it's not the only time you'll have this much fun: There are plenty of other life-defining events as well. So don't let anyone use prom night to pressure you into drinking, drugs, sex, or breaking your curfew - or doing anything else you don't want to. It's your prom. Enjoy it the way you want to.