Alcohol Abuse Imperils Youths
by DID you know that about fourteen of every one hundred male high school seniors in the United States get drunk once a week? Approximately 23 percent of all high school students drink to intoxication at least four times a year. This is what is indicated by the Second Special Report on “Alcohol and Health,” recently submitted to Congress by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
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Coping with the Causes
Why do so many young persons find themselves imperiled by alcohol abuse? There are many reasons. Note some major contributing factors and what might be done about them.
In many places drinking alcoholic beverages has become fashionable. Youths see adults drinking at home, in restaurants and elsewhere. Perhaps you are a parent with very young children. It may be time to think seriously about the use of alcohol in your home. Your children are likely to follow your example. Is it a good one? In some places, of course, the law bars even parents from giving alcoholic beverages to their minor children.
Are you a young person? Well, possibly other youngsters will tease or ridicule you if you do not join them in drinking alcoholic beverages. They may say that you are not mature, a strong person, if you cannot hold plenty of beer, wine or liquor. But think about that. Which course really is easier? To drink with the crowd, or to say No ? Who is stronger? The young person whose courage crumbles, or the one having enough good sense to refuse? The answer is obviously, is it not?
The fact is that abusers of alcohol are not displaying maturity. “The alcoholic is retreating from the adult world into infancy, physically and psychologically,” according to Dr. Giorgio Lolli, who added: “His mental perceptions and bodily sensations become indistinguishable. Like the infant, he becomes helpless and requires a baby’s care.”
Why do fellow youths want to get you drunk anyway? They may hope to make sport of you when you say foolish things, stumble and fall or lose control of yourself otherwise. Then they may laugh and treat you cruelly. Is that what you want?
If you overindulged, you might become so ill that you would vomit. Do you think the other youngsters would help you? Or would they abandon you because of your condition? Not a pleasant thought, is it? Well, is this what you desire?
Suppose you are a young girl and other youths get you drunk. Upon recovering, likely you will feel disgraced. But what if their motives were grossly immoral? With inhibitions removed, perhaps even in helplessness, you might engage in improper sexual conduct that could ruin your life. Do you want that to happen?
It is wise to consider the possible consequences. As a parent, why not find out whether your children are experiencing alcohol-related pressures or problems? Kindly speak to them about such matters. If a change is necessary in their associations, require that some adjustments be made. And, youngsters, talk frankly with your parents or guardians about these things. Act to escape the perils of alcohol abuse.
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