In observance of National Alcohol Awareness Month, some local youth-oriented nonprofits are hosting events to educate the public about the dangers of alcohol abuse, and encouraging people to make healthier, safer choices.
On April 14, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley held a youth rally at Santa Maria City Hall to talk to teens about overcoming social pressure to drink or use drugs, as well as the benefits of being respectful and caring of each other.
Future Leaders of America will hold a similar event for Spanish speakers on April 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St.
According to Fighting Back Executive Director Al Rodriguez, a contributing factor to substance abuse among teenagers is a sense of social disconnect.
“Bullying can play a big part in that, if the teen feels ostracized from his or her peers,” Rodriguez said.
The nonprofit’s youth involvement group recently applied for and won a $1,850 grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara to bring an anti-bullying program called “Respecting Me, Respecting You” to two local middle schools. The program has already proved successful at Pioneer Valley, Santa Maria, and Orcutt Academy high schools.
High school students will visit Guadalupe’s McKenzie Junior High School on May 23 and El Camino Junior High School in Santa Maria on May 30 to talk one-on-one with younger students about promoting tolerance at school.
“The goal is to teach them that cutting words can be very sharp and deep,” Rodriguez said.
According to information from the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, approximately 17 percent of young adults in the state suffer from alcohol dependence or abuse. Teens who experiment with alcohol before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become alcohol dependent when they grow up.
Youth who experience depression and anxiety might use alcohol to self medicate. Additionally, teens who feel isolated from their families or lack other positive, supportive relationships are more likely to get involved with peer groups that use alcohol and/or drugs. Other circumstances that can put youth at increased risk for alcohol use are personal or school-related stress, poor coping skills, and family members with drug or alcohol problems.
For more information about Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley programs, visit fightingbacksmv.org. Learn more about Future Leaders of America at futureleadersofamerica.org/regions.html.
This article appears in Apr 19-26, 2012.