Encouraging alcohol consumption is insane

A recent study by The Partnership at Drugfree.org revealed that drinking among today's teenagers is on the increase. Furthermore these same teens, many of whom had their first drink at age 12, do not see any problem with excessive consumption of alcohol.

Among the top reasons for drinking was “because it is fun” and “so they won't feel left out.” That should not surprise anyone. Today's young people are constantly exposed to beer company television commercials designed to brainwash them into thinking that drinking their product is “a sure sign of a good time.”

In 2008, nearly 12,000 Americans were killed in drunk-driving crashes. Mothers Against Drunk Driving statistics reveal that alcohol kills more young people than all illegal drugs combined. Ask any state trooper who has had to deal with the scene of a drunk-driving accident littered with body parts of the innocent victims whether that is “a sure sign of a good time.”

Alcohol also plays a big role in domestic abuse and yet we encourage its consumption. Prohibition of alcohol will not work but to encourage consumption of an addictive substance that causes more pain and suffering than all illegal drugs combined is insane.

Richard Rust

Cedar Rapids