ALCOHOL ABUSE A HUGE PROBLEM FOR TEEN-AGERS

Parents can be relieved that their child is not involved in drugs ...
however, they may not be aware that the risks of abusing alcohol are just
as high.

Using alcohol is one of the leading causes of death and injury among
teen-agers and young adults.

Because of the wide availability and acceptance in society, the public
- --and oftentimes parents -- consider alcohol use to be a social problem.
This attitude is dangerous, because individuals are less cautious with
alcohol than they are with other drugs.

The questions are numerous: What makes our children drink? Why do they
drink so heavily? Is it in defiance of their parents? Is it the
overwhelming emotional and personal problems of youth?

The answer may be that alcohol is so accepted. We tell our children not to
use drugs, but do not emphasize that the over-use of alcohol is just as
dangerous.

Adding to the confusion are liquor advertisements that highlight
bikini-clad women and professional athletes. This gives them the impression
that drinking alcohol is a fun-loving and successful lifestyle. We don't
underscore the dangers of over-indulging.

Here are some alarming facts:

- -- Teen-agers 18 and under drink 35 percent of all wine coolers sold in the
United States. They also drink 1.1 billion cans of beer per year.

- -- Seven percent of eighth graders, 18 percent of 10th graders, and 30
percent of 12th graders report they were drunk during the past month.

- -- Among teenagers who "binge" drink (consuming five or more drinks in a
row on a single occasion), 39 percent say they drink alone, 58 percent
drink when they are upset, 30 percent drink when they are bored, and 37
percent drink to feel high.

- -- In 1997, approximately 111 million persons, age 12 and over, used
alcohol in a one-month period.

- -- Thirty-five percent of children in the fourth grade reported having been
pressured by classmates to drink; in the sixth grade, the number rises to
49 percent.

- -- Even though the legal age to buy or possess alcohol in most states is
21, 66 percent of teen-agers report they can buy alcoholic beverages.

Below are 10 awareness tips for teen-agers:

No. 1 -- Know the law. Alcohol is illegal to buy or possess if you are
under 21.

No. 2 -- Get the facts right. One 12-ounce beer has as much alcohol as a
1.5 ounce shot of whiskey or a five-ounce glass of wine.

No. 3 -- Stay informed. Wine coolers look like juice sparklers but they
have just as much alcohol as a 12-ounce beer. One glass of clear malt can
give a teenager a .02 on a breathalyzer test. In some states that amount is
enough for anyone under the age of 21 to lose their driver's license and be
subject to a fine.

No. 4 -- Be aware of the risks. Drinking increases the risk of injury. Car
crashes, falls, burns, drownings, and suicide can all be linked to alcohol
and other drug use.

No. 5 -- Keep your edge. Alcohol can ruin your looks, give you bad breath,
and make you gain weight.

No. 6 -- Play it safe. Drinking can lead to intoxication and even death.

No. 7 -- Do the smart thing. Drinking puts your health, education, family
ties, and social life at risk.

No. 8 -- Be a real friend. If you know someone with a drinking problem, be
part of the solution. Urge your friend to get help.

No. 9 -- Remain alert. Stay clear of claims that alcohol means glamour and
adventure. Stay clear on what's real and what's illusion.

No. 10 -- Sweep away the myths. Having a designated driver is no excuse to
drink. Drinking only at home, or sticking only to beer does not make
drinking any safer.