Today we are facing an ever growing populous of undereducated teenagers. Perhaps not undereducated in the sense that they get bad grades But ignorant in the arena of alcohol abuse. The information is out there, but there seem to be a lack of alcohol abuse info educational programs that are correctly structured for the appropriate age groups.
Beginning with 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 the dangers of drugs and alcohol. But in order to be effective, this type of education must continue throughout middle school and high school. Too many young adults 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 initially sway kids from drug or alcohol abuse in the beginning, if they are not required to continue an education in drug and alcohol abuse information throughout their teenage years, they run the risk of forgetting the seriousness of abusing drugs and alcohol. They may then use the drug and alcohol information they gained earlier on to locate these substances and unknowingly abuse them.
Therefore junior high and high school curriculums in the U.S. should be looked at closely to determine if they include substantial classes on drug and alcohol abuse information. Young adults 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, young adults should be offered the opportunity to take courses on drug and alcohol counseling. This way they will not be overloaded with all the negativities of drugs and alcohol, but given a chance to see the opportunities involved in helping those who do have a drug or alcohol problem.
In our current society with an rapidly 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 community must realize that we cannot sit back and expect the government to fix this problem for us. We must be proactive. If you are concerned by this problem, please attend city counsel meetings and speak up. Starting local is the only way to get things moving. But also write to your congressman and propose your ideas for new ways of educating young adults with drug and alcohol abuse information. If no one continues to voice concerns about this issue it could easily be overshadowed by 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 young adults, it will undoubtedly escalate problems our society is already facing.
Together we can make a difference in giving the adolescents of our nation a better chance at resisting 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.
