Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease. In the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, SAMHSA, reported that more than 23 percent of Americans over the age of 11 admitted to binge drinking at least once in the previous month. In the same year, 3.4 percent of 12 and 13 year olds currently used alcohol. Among 21 to 25 year olds, 69.5 percent reported being drinkers.
Awareness Programs
Drug awareness programs are designed to explain addiction and consequences of alcohol abuse. There are programs designed exclusively for teens, such as Above the Influence. D.A.R.E is a program for children of all ages, starting in kindergarten up to 12th grade. Phoenix House has a variety of programs for high school students, students transitioning to college, college students and parents.
How they Work
While there are dozens of alcohol awareness programs, each with its own specific mission and focus, the goal is the same: raise awareness about the potential dangers of alcohol abuse. Above the Influence does this by producing entertaining commercials and videos for teens in an effort to point out how peer pressure could influence your decisions. The website provides statistics on alcohol abuse among middle and high school students, drinking and driving facts, true stories by those affected by alcoholism, and more. D.A.R.E. trains police officers to go into classrooms and explain the dangers of drinking, drugs and violence. By sending cops into schools, the hope is to give students a positive experience with law-enforcement officials. Facts on Tap and Transitions are programs developed by Phoenix House. Young adults can get information about alcohol and campus life, alcohol and sex, peer counseling and more.
Sources
The information from alcohol awareness programs comes from reliable private and governmental sources such as SAMHSA, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, MADD, and Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA. Statistics are compiled using national surveys, including National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Some statistics reported by MADD come from hospital and emergency room data. AA surveys members for information on sobriety and relapse.
Unlikely Sources
Even beer and liquor companies are in on alcohol awareness programs. Anheuser-Busch, manufacturer of Budweiser, Michelob, Bass and Beck's, designed a website called Beeresponsible.com. Along with more then 600 independent alcohol distributors, the company provides information on underage drinking, drunk driving, alcohol on campus and how to drink responsibly.
For Adults
Since teenage drinking is a very real concern, it's not enough to just reach out to youngsters with alcohol awareness programs. Teachers and parents need to play a very prominent role. A program called "Parents. The Anti-Drug" is sponsored by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. It provides information and advice about drugs and alcohol for parents, including tips for identifying if your child is using and resources for help and intervention.
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