$53 Billion Dollar Problem

[James]

Do you think that drinking is inherently "bad"?

Originally posted by DeltAlum
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.