Today we are facing an ever growing facet in society of undereducated young adults. Perhaps not undereducated in the sense that don’t go to school. But uneducated in the realm of alcohol abuse. The information is out there, but there seem to be a lack of alcohol abuse information educational programs that are correctly structured for the appropriate age groups.
At the approximate age of 10, kids are subjected to the DARE program which introduces them to the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. This program is a good way to begin an education on drug and alcohol abuse. But in order to be effective, this type of education must continue throughout adolescence. Too many kids 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 subjected to a continued education in drug and alcohol abuse information throughout their adolescence, they run the risk of forgetting the dangers of abusing alcohol or drugs. 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 every state should be scrutinized 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 middle school and high school. In addition to classes on the dangers of abuse, young adults 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 federal 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 solve this problem. But also write to your congressman and propose your ideas for new ways of educating young adults with alcohol abuse info. 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 young adults 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 their peers 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.
