Letter to the Editor: Underage Drinking

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Dear Editor,

I am concerned about the message relayed by the article, Underage Drinking. The forum had good intentions, but missed the facts about the disease of Alcoholism. Those that have troubles from drinking at any age usually are experiencing a hereditary, genetic predisposition. The American Medical Association declared alcoholism a disease in 1956. They said it is a chronic, progressive disease that leads to insanity or death without intervention.

Sadly, the results of drinking cause pain and worse. These uncomfortable, expensive, and disastrous situations point to a solution. The person drinking needs help through treatment and recovery. In addition, because of the genetic, hereditary factor the whole family needs help.

Why didn�ft the panel of experts include those that are the real experts, recovering alcoholics, and their families? Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-anon, and Ala-teen give programs that reveal the real facts about this disease with a solution that works. Why not invite this free program to educate people with genuine information. In addition, many high schools now have AA and Ala-teen meetings during school time for those needing this support. Sounds like Puyallup High School could benefit.

The program mentioned many costs, financially and personally, but never did it encourage compassion for the suffering person with a medical problem or include any 12-step programs that are free. Addressing the solution with real answers of recovery will make the difference.

Marilyn Redmond
Edgewood, WA

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