How to keep the kids off the hooch?
A journalist asks:
“Do graphic images of mutilated bodies of DUI victims help stop teens from drinking and driving? If that doesn’t work, what does?”
Emphatically Yes and No–Yes, such graphic images do help teens understand they should not drink and drive and No, such graphic images do NOT help teens understand they should be stone-cold sober when driving.
Huh?
Depends on which teens you’re talking about–those not predisposed to alcoholism and those who are so predisposed. After all, those predisposed have likely already triggered an incipient alcoholism (average age 13) and, therefore, already think they are more invincible than they already think by virtue of being teenagers. And alcoholics are not easily deterred from engaging in misbehaviors. (Non-addicts can be educated; addicts cannot be in the usual way.)
What works is letting them know they will be tested for alcohol blood level if they make one inconsiderate maneuver, engage in one act of reckless conduct or in any other way act dangerous while driving, which are behaviors alcoholics typically engage in, particularly while under the influence (but often between drinking episodes). Then, inform them they WILL lose their license and WILL have to spend a lot of time working to earn the funds with which to pay the penalties. A far tougher sort of love is required when dealing with young, early-stage alcoholics.