Early identification of and intervention for potential problems associated with alcohol use is an essential element in any areas. This is especially true in the area of use of alcohol by young people. Habit patterns begun in youth are the most difficult to alter. The drinking pattern established at this time of life may never be changed.

With the general return to a higher drinking age, increased arrests for illegal use of alcohol by minors have been evident. In most cases the only sanction available has been a fine and often a minimal one at that. An additional avenue for dealing with illegal use of alcohol by young people is the inclusion of an educational approach for such persons. Even with increased emphasis on problems associated with alcohol use, most young people (and older persons for that matter) still know only two basic things about alcohol: where to purchase it and how to drink it.

The curriculum that is used is designed to present accurate and straightforward information about specific topics which relate to alcohol use by young people. It has the potential, when properly coupled with the appropriate legal sanctions, to enable young people to make sound decisions about the use of alcohol both at this stage of their lives and as adults.

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse gratefully acknowledges the support of the Texas Department of transportation by supplying funding for the development of the single, standardized course of instruction. Their efforts have resulted in this curriculum being used throughout Texas to provide quality instruction.

With the Advert of the 21 year-old drinking age law, many area have seen an increase in violation of purchase, attempted purchase, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage persons. While Texas law provides penalties for this offense, it also makes provisions for an education effort designed to alter behavior. Young people who illegally consume alcohol are prime candidates for DWI. In addition, data supplied by young people charged with minor-In-Possession (MIP) offenses has shown that as many as fifty percent (50%) of them have serious problems with alcohol which go well beyond a single offense.

For these reasons, a uniform educational program has been developed to provide information and also possible referral services.

Concepts

• Early identification is critical to solving problem
• Early intervention is most successful.
• Habits, started early, are extremely difficult to alter.
• Education should supplement legal penalties.

Goals

• Present accurate and timely information.
• Encourage sound decision-making skills.
• Couple legal sanctions with alcohol education.
• Identify those with alcohol problems.