Being a teenager is hard.
It is difficult enough to deal with hormones and changing bodies, but add to that pressure from peers to fit in and be part of a group, problems or pressure with home and family life, and school. Alcohol and drug use are common among teenagers, for varied reasons. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among teenagers. By about age 13, the number of first time alcohol users is up over 50%. (Kosterman et al. 2000) Teenagers see adults drinking everywhere, on TV or in movies, and within their own families for celebration or recreation. Witnessing social use of alcohol, where everyone around them is relaxed and happy and having a good time, can make this particular drug seem harmless. Alcohol can also serve as a social lubricant for teenagers who may feel awkward or uncomfortable within their own peer group. Having a few drinks can loosen someone up, and make them feel more cool and brave than they feel on a normal occasion. Teens are also a higher risk for drinking and drug use if they have parents who use. Alcohol and harder drugs can numb the pain and offer an escape to a teenager who may be dealing with a turbulent home life or situation. Kids who begin drinking before age 15, are 4 times more likely to become dependent on alcohol than those who wait until they are 21. In 2009, 4,178 young people, ages 12-20 were admitted to treatment programs. That is 11% of all alcohol admissions in the state.
I did a lot of research for this particular project and had a great deal of difficulty finding many programs geared toward helping youth in my community. On a county, and ultimately a state level, there seem to be many programs aimed at both recovery and prevention for adolescents. My county, Miami, was even one of 19 counties in the state of Ohio to receive extra grant money that would go to school based prevention programs. I thought that was great, but what is Piqua doing to keep the underage alcohol problem in their own back yard...