Developing Horizons Magazine (2).pdf April 2014 | Page 8

Problems of the Next Generation: Finding Answers

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE -- YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Past and current research clearly shows that substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, and drugs) is the single
most serious health problem in the United States today. Substance abuse causes more deaths, illnesses and
disabilities than any other preventable health condition. Most Americans, including many Christians, are
sympathetic to the problem but feel that it is primarily
a problem of a different segment of society. But, substance abuse affects every community and family with
consequences like auto accidents, stress, health problems, child and spousal abuse, school failure, crime,
job loss and suicide. If they are not affected directly,
then certainly indirectly.
The use of addictive substances among teenagers is
nothing less than alarming. A recent national study reveals that 75% (10 million) of all high school students
have used addictive substances with 46% continuing
to use and 1 in 3 of them meets the medical criteria for
potential addiction. The preferred substance is alcohol
because it is easily available and socially acceptable.
Most addiction begins in the formative adolescent
years and most adults turn a blind eye to this deadly

epidemic and focus on other teen health problems like
obesity, depression, and bullying.
Prescription drug abuse (narcotics) is fast outstripping the use of illegal drugs like marijuana and
cocaine. It has already reached epidemic levels in the
U.S. Readily available on the street, from friends and
in adult medicine cabinets, teens are increasingly experimenting with these drugs, most of which are exceedingly addictive. Mixed substance abuse (the use of
several drugs together) is becoming increasingly popular as are the new “designer drugs.”
The control of drug trafficking in the U.S. and
worldwide has been a miserable failure. So long as
there exists a market, there will be creative providers.
The only solution to control is to reduce the demand.
How to do that? In the next issue of Developing Horizons Magazine, We will address
how this can be accomplished and
how you can play an important
role.
By R. Burt Prater, M.D.

By Carlton Wilson
What is wrong with America’s Educational System?
What has happened to the
next generation? What will
become of America’s future? As a veteran elementary principal, I propose
answers to these questions
and revelations regarding
the problems facing our
country.
The "problem" lies with our children; however, the They knew they could change the future by influencproblem is not our children. Today we need parents to ing the youth. My greatest fear is the quote by Stalin.
be parents.
Today’s society shows a decline in patriotism, morality,
and spiritual life in America. I know, not based on reBefore I elaborate these statements, as a former social port statistics, but because I see it in our children every
studies teacher, I would like to share what former world day.
leaders have stated concerning America's problems and
future:
Schools are a window and a mirror image of society. The
quote by an unknown author is so true: "Children are
Herbert Hoover, 31st U.S. President: "Children are our great imitators, so give them something great to imimost valuable resource."
tate." In elementary school, children imitate their parents. As they grow older, some look to others to imitate.
The scary part is that those students who are looking
Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa:
"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul will find someone or some group who accepts them as
they are and that person or group will replace the parent.
than the way in which it treats its children."
One of the greatest needs of a child is the need to feel acJim Wallis, founder, Sojourners Magazine:
cepted and valued. It has surprised me to see a number
"The Bible insists that the best test of a nation's righ- of students, whom I believed to be well grounded with
teousness is how it treats the poorest and most vulner- a strong parental foundation, give in to peer pressure. It
able in its midst."
does not matter the social economic status of the family; peer pressure is tremendous with all students.
Joseph Stalin:
"America is like a healthy body and its resistance is I have a background in law enforcement and working
threefold: its patriotism, its morality, and its spiritual with children of all ages. I have not been surprised at
life. If we can undermine these three areas, America will what our children face each day. What has surprised me
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