Today people are facing an ever growing population of undereducated young adults. Perhaps not undereducated in the sense that they have dropped out of school. But undereducated in the arena of alcohol abuse information. The information is out there, but there seem to be a lack of alcohol abuse information classes that are correctly structured for the appropriate age groups.
Around the approximate age of eleven, kids are subjected to the DARE program which introduces them to the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. This program is a good way to begin an education on drug and alcohol abuse. But in order to be effective, the same type of education must continue throughout the teenage years. Too many children have used the D.A.R.E. program as a gateway into learning which drugs and alcohol they would like to try. While this program may steer some kids away from drug or alcohol abuse in the beginning, if they are not exposed to more education in drug and alcohol abuse information throughout their young adulthood, they run the risk of forgetting the realities of abusing alcohol or drugs. They may then use the alcohol abuse information they gained earlier on to locate these substances and unknowingly abuse them.
Therefore junior high and high school curriculums in every state should be examined to determine if they include substantial classes on alcohol abuse information. Students should be encouraged to take these classes at least once throughout their time in junior high and high school. In addition to classes on the dangers of abuse, students should be offered the opportunity to take classes on drug and alcohol counseling. This way they will not be bombarded with all the negativities of drugs and alcohol, but given a chance to see the positivity of helping those who do have a drug or alcohol problem.
In our current society with an ever growing population and troubled economy, it is more important than ever to give every young adult a proper education. But budget cuts and closing schools are making that very hard. We as a whole must realize that we cannot sit back and expect the government to fix this problem for us. We must be proactive. If you care about this problem, please attend city counsel meetings and voice your concerns. Starting local is the only way to be heard. But also write to your congressman and propose your ideas for new ways of educating adolescents with drug and alcohol abuse information. If no one continues to voice concerns about this issue it could easily be put aside due to other problems we are facing. But this is an issue that need to be kept on the forefront because if drug and alcohol abuse continue to rise among teenagers, it will undoubtedly cause a rise in problems our society is already facing.
Together we can make a difference in giving the kids of our nation a better chance at saying no to drugs, alcohol, and it’s abuse. We will also be opening their eyes to new opportunities and ideas for helping those who do abuse or face addictions with alcohol. We must let these kids know they have a chance. They are not alone. And they, even at a young age, can make a difference in the lives around them by becoming educated and practicing what they learn.
