<p>In our county, a MIP (someone under 21) in possession of alcohol, whether the minor has a .08 blood alcohol of .00 - simply having an alcoholic beverage in POSSESSION will give the minor several mandatory court appearances, suspension of driver’s license for months, drug tests and substance abuse counseling, paid for by the minor/minor’s family. It is harsh. </p>
<p>Is it effective? I don’t know. I know quite a number of kids that still use alcohol who have gone through these programs…the only difference is that it is underground. </p>
<p>I do think that substance abuse can begin early, but after seeing the ramifications of zero tolerance programs, I think that this can lead to further use and experimentation. We make it so difficult for young people to understand how to use alcohol in moderation in our culture. Perhaps if it was an easier way to teach them how to understand their tolerance for alcohol - serving them a glass of wine or beer with dinner on ocassion, it wouldn’t be such a taboo thing. Other cultures do a better job of teaching their young people how to drink responsibly.</p>
<p>Just as we teach our teens to drive, we should show them the risks of alcohol. Let them learn how to be responsible drinkers. </p>
<p>Drugs are a different thing - yet, because of the taboo nature, I believe that parents are clueless about how common they are in our college campuses. </p>
<p>I also think that legalizing marijuana will be a lot smarter in the long run. Tax it, make it accessible and decriminalize the use. </p>
<p>We all hope our kids won’t make a big mistake that might ruin their lives. I think this happens way too much when kids “experiment”. This doesn’t mean they are going to be a lifelong drug user because of this experimenting…but kicking them out of school and incarcerating them WILL cause them far more harm, IMO.</p>