New England, N.D. (AP) Students in southwestern North Dakota have been getting a lesson from some unique guests.

Inmates from the women's prison in the town of New England, south of Dickinson, have been speaking to students about the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction.

Inmate Stephanie Yellow Bird says she started using meth when she was 18 years old.

Another inmate, Natasha Royce, says drug use takes a toll and users end up in prison and alone.

New England High School senior Jordyn Bender says the women's stories have a big impact. Bender says they had to leave their children to go to prison.

Yellow Bird says she wants to tell students: "Be yourself.

Don't follow everyone else because following them can take you bad places." Information from: KXMB-TV, http://www.kxnet.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-31-09 1511CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list