As an employee with Citizens Against Substance Abuse, I have had a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the issues and research surrounding underage drinking. I can clearly remember my own teenage years as being fraught with indecision, confusing emotion and hormonal changes, and the ever-present availability of alcohol and other substances as an "escape" or "new experience" for my age group. I managed to mature and reach adulthood unscathed, but I am increasingly aware of the fact that many young people do not and that so many of these fatal and life-changing accidents would not have occurred if alcohol/substance abuse was removed from the scenario.
I recently had the opportunity to interview two classes of Flagstaff high school students about their views on underage drinking. As had been established in our area, many students felt that boredom (stemming from a lack of youth oriented activities in this area) and availability of alcohol to underage drinkers contributed to our local statistics. However, our conversations revealed an encouraging and unexpected trend in Flagstaff youth, namely that the way a young person carries himself and his self-confidence are vital to avoiding the pitfalls of underage alcohol use. These students reminded me that avoiding situations that revolve around alcohol use, and maintaining a strong sense of self were their best techniques to staying alcohol and drug free. One student even suggested that choosing to remain sober at a party or gathering sent the strongest message of all that she was her own person and didn't buy into the hype that alcohol was a necessary ingredient to having a good time.
I was so pleasantly surprised with these students' awareness and conviction in themselves. They were all enthusiastic communicators and empowered in their own ability to make good decisions. Best of all, their classes were centered around sharing this skill with underclassmen and other students, so the word was clearly being spread. I left our interviews feeling inspired that a change has begun in the next generation, and that the seeds of freedom from substance abuse are flourishing.