Substance Abuse Has No Bounds
• Be Part of the Solution
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One of our earlier stories about the coalition
Learn more about the Gray New Gloucester coalition.
Take 23 minutes to view, it will open your eyes....
Apr 23, 2010 – For the last several months, we have been reporting on the 21 Reasons Coalition. As a matter of fact, the GNG Gazette has signed on to fulfill the media component in the mentor grant application seeking a local alcohol and substance awareness coalition. At the most recent meeting of the group, Emily Wolff of 21 Reasons in Portland talked about a short poignant video that addresses the subject.
Being the 'media' component, I offered, sight unseen, to post the video to the Gazette. In my head I planned a quick introduction and bingo, all set. As any good editor would do, I previewed the video. Having raised 4 children, I felt pretty confident that there would be nothing new. I was wrong. The film takes the viewer through 40 years of changing times and trends, I felt myself reflecting and assessing and wondering if I might have been sending the wrong message to my own kids. Can't look back though, only forward.
The new 'trend' in alcohol and substance abuse awareness is to focus on adults who have influence over children. Adults have a far stronger impact on kids than even their peers do. While they might strive to fit it, kids learn by the example set by the adults they trust and admire.
While some may find this film may be a bit dramatic and urgent in its tone, it should not be taken lightly. As we all wonder what it is that has kids drinking at younger ages, and drinking more, this film provides some very interesting insight as to the whys. More importantly, it offers some valuable information of what it will take to fix the problem – which, by the way, has no bounds. No matter where you live, no matter what your socioeconomic standing, no matter where your kids go to school, kids drink.
Gray and New Gloucester are not immune. I encourage you to take 23 minutes out of your day and watch or listen to this presentation. Whether you have children or not, your participation and support can be part of the solution.
For more information or to become involved in the Gray New Gloucester coalition, contact Emily Wolff at 21 Reasons, or Chair Bruce Macomber.
Tracy Scheckel
Editor
