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Underage drinking remains destructive problem

Posted 4/5/12

To the Editor: April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Founded by and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) the theme is “Healthy Choices, Healthy Communities: …

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Underage drinking remains destructive problem

Posted

To the Editor:

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Founded by and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) the theme is “Healthy Choices, Healthy Communities: Prevent Underage Drinking.

No substance of abuse is more widely used and abused in American than alcohol, making alcohol-related problems and alcoholism the number one public health concern in the United States.

The personal tragedies, social consequences, and enormous economic costs are unacceptably high, including over $224 billion per year in alcohol-related problems and alcoholism lost in productivity, absenteeism, accidents, criminal justice costs, etc.

Addressing this issue requires a sustained and cooperative effort between parents, schools, colleges, community leaders, and our youth. The widespread prevalence of underage drinking and the negative consequences it creates remains a stubborn and destructive problem despite decades of efforts to combat it. Yet, there are four areas that have proven to be effective in prevention of this problem:

• Curtailing the availability of alcohol to underage population

• Consistent enforcement of existing laws and regulations regarding alcohol purchase

• Changing cultural misconceptions and behaviors about alcohol use through education

• Expanded access to treatment and recovery support for adolescents and their families.

But, time is running out. Studies reveal that alcohol consumption by adolescents result in brain damage – possibly permanent – and impair intellectual development.

So, let’s get started with the solution. We can’t afford to wait any longer.

Harley Potter, Clifton-Fine Central School SADD