Awareness is

PANO PERSPECTIVE

Ladue students are affected by alcoholism, too

For much of our early education, health courses and programs such as D.A.R.E. have diligently warned us against the many dangers of underage drinking: liver damage, car crashes, chronic health issues and more. These classes offer the simple solution of completely abstaining from underage alcohol use, but this advice falls on deaf ears more often than not. In addition, the risks of underage drinking are generally taught as long-term effects; however, a relatively unexplored danger of alcohol use is teenage alcoholism.

Alcoholism is defined by Mayo Clinic as a “physical dependence on alcohol to the extent that stopping alcohol use would result in withdrawal symptoms.” Generally, alcoholism is thought of as an affliction that affects only people later in their lives. The school curriculum emphasizes this addiction as something that underage drinking can eventually lead to, but this ailment is not exclusive to adults. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 2.8 percent of teenagers suffer from some form of alcohol addiction. Rather than treat the disorder as if it were a problem developed as an adult, teenagers must be informed about the possibility of teenage alcoholism. There is a distinct difference between having a few drinks at a party and having a physical dependence on alcohol.

Ladue students must also be aware of the various risk factors associated with alcoholism. According to the Addiction Center, students with a family history of alcoholism are four times more likely to develop the disease. If students plan on partaking in alcohol use, they should research their family history and understand the level of risk they position themselves in when drinking alcohol. More importantly, students are at greater peril of alcohol dependence when facing high levels of stress and anxiety. As high school students with a particularly demanding curriculum, Ladue’s student body is especially at risk of falling victim to alcoholism.

The Ladue community must recognize that teenage alcoholism is a legitimate issue and take steps to minimize its impact. We realize that an expectation for students to stop drinking is unrealistic, but we implore all students to understand and draw the line between having fun with friends and depending on alcohol to function. Health classes and substance abuse programs should teach students to practice moderation rather than preach complete abstinence of alcohol. Students should be wary of symptoms of alcoholism and support any friends who are struggling from the disorder. Ultimately, teenage alcoholism should be regarded as a serious concern within the community, and measures should be taken to reduce its influence.

p h o t o i l l u s t r a t i o n b y G R A C E H E N S L E Y