Stop Drinking Now...An Issue of Mixed Messages
Ed Philips
There are a large number of mixed messages that we receive in our society today. Everything from what we eat, even to what we should wear changes from day to day in what is considered right or wrong. So why is it when a message giving warning of something being harmful, unhealthy and even illegal is not only dismissed, but the opposite message is promoted? The message in question is that of drinking alcohol and the issues that it creates.
The Accessibility and Acceptability of Alcohol. On the one hand, consider the thousands upon thousands of bars and taverns in the United States. Now add to this list the restaurants, night clubs, sporting events, festivals, state fairs, hotels, casinos, carnivals, etc. where alcoholic beverages are regularly served. Moreover, add the grocery stores, liquor stores, beverage stores, the Convenient Food Marts, the 7/11 stores, and the state stores where an adult can legally purchase as many bottles, cans, and/or cases of alcoholic beverages as he or she desires.
The presence of alcohol is not just in its availability in where we shop or seek entertainment, but it is all around us in different forms. Unfortunately, many of these promote the idea the alcohol or drinking is "cool." Just turn on the television and watch for commercials. Beer companies spend huge amount in advertising, creating funny or sexy commercials that seem to be some of the most memorable. They do this not to entertain us, but to increase their sales. Think about the movie stars or professional athletes who lend their support by participating in advertising or even through their own actions. By casting alcohol as a glamorous or exciting lifestyle choice, we are sending out the wrong message that alcohol is "cool" or can make us "cool."
Alcohol is even present in ways and forms that we might not even realize or think of, Consider the religious rituals that make use of alcohol, cultural traditions that encourage drinking alcohol, special events and holidays that are associated with drinking alcohol, and the recipes calling for alcohol to enhanced flavor...when all of these are factored into the equation, it becomes obvious that alcohol is deeply woven into our society. The point is that when a person has alcohol constantly around them through events, traditions, holidays and advertisements, they become desensitized to the harmful effects alcohol carries. Instead alcohol becomes part of normal everyday life and alcohol can even be a means to "fit in" with peers.
With all of the ways alcohol is positively promoted, what are the messages against its use? Alcohol is prevalent, accepted, and readily acceptable and at the same time potentially illegal, unhealthy and dangerous. Simply note the number of those against alcohol and listen to their messages. People from many different points of view all share the same message against alcohol abuse and drinking and driving. Medical professional, both local and federal governments, law enforcement, schools including colleges, and organizations such as MADD all have staggering statistics to the devastating effects of alcohol use.
The ability to intervene against alcohol use and abuse effectively becomes much more difficult when considering it's integration into our society. With the messages being mixed from our media to our culture, to is hard to discern the negative side of alcohol use itself. Many individuals, especially our youth do not see the harmful, unhealthy and sometimes deadly aspects of alcohol abuse.
Mixed messages have regrettably also been a part of our own judicial system in the way it has handled alcohol-related offenses. In the past, some repeat DUI offenders have continued to have their rights to the road receiving only a light sentence. Those committing crimes while under the influence, alcohol was seen as an explanation to their behavior.
Fortunately, some states are becoming more reality and accountability-based and are making it a felony when a person receives his or her 4th DUI within a ten-year period. In Minnesota, for instance, this sentence includes three years in prison and a fine of not less than $14,000.00.
Jail time itself is not the only solution to those with alcohol issues. Unless the underlying need for drinking is discovered and dealt with while being incarcerated, many will return to the same self destructive habits once they are released. With alcohol intervention and treatment in jail, the individual is in a stable and environment with a positive success rate. Those who have participated in a alcohol treatment program are more likely to return to society as a productive and responsible person, ending their drinking and driving and therefore avoiding becoming a repeat offender in the system.
Now there are those who will say that some consumption is alright so long as the individual practices "responsible behavior", but who defines what is responsible? One person may say that posting a sign at the beach warning of a strong undertow is practicing "responsible behavior." Another might argue that the sign is not enough, and that buoys should be put in place marking the furthest distance a swimmer should go out. Simply put, many believe that a warning is not enough, that actual deterrents must be enforced to practice "responsible behavior".
If our society is more enlightened and more aware of the health hazards, fatalities, and destructive consequences of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, then why don't we practice "responsible behavior" and make alcohol less available, less advertised, less glamorized, and less "cool" while at the same time increasing the advertisements, commercials, and public service messages that emphasize healthy and safe alcohol-free activities and lifestyles?
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