Today we are facing an ever growing population of undereducated adolescents. Perhaps not undereducated in the sense that don’t go to school. But undereducated in the realm of alcohol and drug 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.
Around the approximate age of eleven, kids are subjected to the DARE or Drug Abuse Resistance Education program which introduces them to the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. This program is a great way to begin an education on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. But in order to be effective, the same type of education must continue throughout the teenage years. Too many kids have used the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program as a gateway into learning which drugs and alcohol they would like to try. While this program may deter kids from drug or alcohol abuse in the beginning, if they are not subjected to a continued education in 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 alcohol abuse information they gained earlier on to locate these substances and unknowingly abuse them.
Therefore middle school and high school curriculums in the U.S. 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, adolescents should be offered the opportunity to take courses 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 constantly 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 voice your concerns. 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 teenagers 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 understanding the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and it’s abuse. We will also be opening their eyes to new opportunities and ideas for helping friends and family who do abuse or face addictions with drugs and 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.
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