Heavy drinking is a problem. But bigger than the problem of drinking is the problem of denial.

No one likes to admit being enslaved by Demon Alcohol; most alcoholics genuinely believe they can stop and turnaround whenever they choose to. They imagined that when initially the problem began to insidiously entrap them. They perceived they were stronger than Demon A. They convinced well-wishers hovering around them about the same. That has led to the situation being where it is today.

One out of every ten Americans has a drinking problem.

So says a representative from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) on an NBC talk show. I admire her for down-playing reality. She and I both know the real figure and it's not one.

However, my idea is not to spread gloom and doom. As a counselor for both live coach classes and online alcohol awareness programs, I would prefer to focus on something more positive. There is a way to avoid getting into the clutches of Demon A. I'd like to call it the Shield A phenomenon.

'A' as in awareness. Classes in an alcohol awareness program present the opportunity to raise awareness of alcohol abuse, prevent underage drinking, and encourage all people to make healthy, safe choices. Why else do the courts mandate such programs for those who have committed an alcohol-related offense?

My question is, why wait to get burnt before accepting that fire has the capacity to scald and scorch?

The Art of One-upmanship

There is truth and power in that old adage "the best offense is a good defense"! Alcohol awareness programs can be that good defense. My conviction - birthed during session after session with misguided school students who got trapped - is that alcohol awareness programs should, without further delay, be made part of the curriculum in schools; beginning in middle school. Every school needs to take a call; for prevention is better than fall.

How heartening it is to know that in many institutions, youth are being educated about the dangerous effects of alcohol and drug abuse. I myself volunteer at local school, through innovative alcohol awareness classes. It is encouraging to note that teachers and school administrators get deeply involved in the classes. By the end of the program, the authorities declare that a solid alcohol awareness program would benefit not only the students, but the faculty as well.
What do you think? Let's face it - alcohol is part of Western culture and majority of Americans enjoy alcohol beverages. To pretend that young people will abstain is both unrealistic and irresponsible. What they need is enlightenment and alcohol education. Do you agree that an annual 8-hour alcohol awareness program will benefit all students?

Speak up and be counted.