Today we are facing an ever growing population of undereducated young adults. Perhaps not uneducated in the sense that they have dropped out of school. But ignorant in the arena of alcohol abuse information. 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.
At the approximate age of 10, kids are subjected to the D.A.R.E. program which introduces them to the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. This program is a positive way to introduce an education on alchol abuse information. But in order to be effective, the same type of education must continue throughout adolescence. 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 deter kids 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 middle school and high school curriculums in every state should be looked at closely to determine if they include substantial classes on drug and 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 opportunities involved in 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 nearly impossible. 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 care about 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 teenagers 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 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.
