Possible Solutions

The so-called solution to alcohol abuse is not one that even the U.S. government could handle. Referring back to the time of prohibition in the U.S. and how the demand for alcohol gave way to reverting that. One of the most well-known organizations that is currently working on this problem is the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Group. In Addictions and Substance Abuse from Robin Kamienny gives us some basic information on this group. Being established in 1939 and promoting the program they developed using motivational steps. The text states “Membership passed the one million mark around 1970 and was slightly more than two million in 2001” (Montvilo 2013). This group is supporting alcoholics who do seek help, making success stories. I believe that these stories can help those who misunderstand the hold alcohol abuse has on people and change society's stigma. 

The AA Program works on many levels, however in order to promote more local cases we need to focus on the communities. I believe that having a level of awareness needs to be achieved within these communities, to see any form of difference in larger societies. Another book I found was Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility. Author’s Bonnie & O’Connell also talk about community involvement. “Community-driven initiatives should be tailored to the specific problems and resources in a community” (Bonnie & O’Connell 2003). This is a statement that reached me because I remember that the public schools, I had attended had alcohol awareness. This felt it was tailored to all school students. I feel a more focused approach on students from Tempe would yield better results. 

To Conclude

Helping students understand that though the alcohol problem is apparent, there is always help for anyone they might know. As well as, promoting AA success stories to prove that there is hope, can change the society's view of alcohol abuse. I feel a special connection with these outreaches due to the proximity I lived to a university campus. I saw the effect of University Students' behaviors with alcohol while still in High School. The solutions I mentioned would have been a great resource to those I know experiencing the same. Growing awareness for alcohol abuse in both a focused community and nationwide.

Jacobsson J. Gothenburg, Sweden (April 2018). December 2024. Unsplash

Clear glass drinking glass filled with beverage on table photo – Free Beer Image on Unsplash

References

Montvilo, R. K. (Ed.). (2013). Salem Health. Addictions & Substance Abuse (Vol. 1). Salem Press. https://link.gale.com/apps/pub/6BCO/GVRL?u=pima_main&sid=bookmark-GVRL

 

Institute of Medicine, National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Board on Children, Y. and F., Committee on Developing a Strategy to Reduce and Prevent Underage Drinking, Mary Ellen O’Connell, & Richard J. Bonnie. (2003). Reducing Underage Drinking : A Collective Responsibility. National Academies Press.

Banner Image Reference

Suares E. beer Shelves (October 2020). December 2024 Unsplash

Red and white labeled cans on shelf photo – Free Warehouse Image on Unsplash