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$53 Billion Dollar Problem
I'm sure there will be something more concrete to copy soon, but I heard on NPR this morning that there is a new report out on young people and alcohol.
Given traffic accidents, illness, academic failure, suicide and crime, they estimate that this problem costs Americans $53 Billion (yes, with a "B") dollars a year.
Don't quote me on the stats -- I was in traffic when I heard the story, but something like 20% of eighth graders reported drinking, and 12% of that number say they drink "heavily."
For high school seniors, the overall number was about half, I think.
As an aside, I might question those numbers, because it's kind of an "in" thing -- especially for the eighth graders to say they drink. On the other hand, I was drinking in high school many years ago. Still, I think those numbers might be questionable.
The important message for the Greek System is a two headed monster. First, we're inheriting a large problem. Second, we're perpetuating it in some ways.
Given the findings of this survey, though, it's clear that underage drinking is much more than a fraternity and sorority challenge. But the "everybody does it" attitude will not help the problem -- which directly contributes to our Risk Management and liability troubles.
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Fraternally,
DeltAlum
DTD
The above is the opinion of the poster which may or may not be based in known facts and does not necessarily reflect the views of Delta Tau Delta or Greek Chat -- but it might.
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