$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.

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by James
Do you think that drinking is inherently "bad"?

No. I've been a drinker for years, in moderation. I think if everyone could drink in moderation, there would be no need for drinking ages, etc.

[CC1GC]

DeltAlum,

Maybe before posting ludicrous numbers along with your value-judgements, you should include the methodology for the survey.

I would really like to know how this number was calculated. I don't know, would an 8th grader lie about drinking if he or she was filling out a survey with their peers....hmmmmmm

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by CC1GC
DeltAlum,

Maybe before posting ludicrous numbers along with your value-judgements, you should include the methodology for the survey.

I would really like to know how this number was calculated. I don't know, would an 8th grader lie about drinking if he or she was filling out a survey with their peers....hmmmmmm

CC,

I dont' disagree and expected to see more follow up (see first post).

As for value judgements, we all make them and I've had a long time and a lot of experience in forming mine.

You're free to agree or disagree with them.

However, perhaps you have some data and methodology to prove that the numbers reported by NPR are "ludicrous."

[CC1GC]

There's always fault with some methodology, but i can't comment on this, if the methods are reported.

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by CC1GC
There's always fault with some methodology, but i can't comment on this, if the methods are reported.

Suspect you mean if the methods aren't reported. I agree, it would be nice to know something about the survey. Apparantely it was good enough to interest NPR anyway.

They're generally pretty good journalists.

[James]

*raises his hand*

I drank, i think once? In 8th Grade.

A bunch more Freshmen year in high School . . .

Shrug

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by James
*raises his hand*

I drank, i think once? In 8th Grade.

A bunch more Freshmen year in high School . . .

Shrug

And see? It warped your whole life and made you a statistic.