Pubdate: Mon, 25 Nov 2002
Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (WI)
Copyright: 2002 Eau Claire Press
Contact:  http://www.leadertelegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/236
Author: Matt Powell

ALCOHOL ABUSE GLOSSED OVER

All one has to do these days is watch a few minutes of television or read a 
magazine to see many anti-tobacco messages.

All state the obvious, that smoking can cause cancer. Granted, a lot of 
these ads are used to keep kids from smoking, which can only be a good 
thing. There are also plenty of similar ads stating the negative effects of 
other addictive substances.

Throughout these ads, each of which seem to slightly bend the truth in the 
hopes of getting their messages across, I noticed that one substance was 
left out: alcohol.

Oddly, a substance that leads to much more problems than both marijuana and 
smoking combined, is left untouched by the media's attack on addictive 
substances. Cigarettes do cause cancer, and second-hand smoke can be 
unhealthy, but look at what alcohol does.

Smoking cigarettes doesn't lead to domestic abuse or the deaths of 
thousands of people in auto accidents. The same can be said for marijuana, 
which has been under fire almost as much as cigarettes in these anti-drug ads.

I'm not saying cigarettes and marijuana are harmless, but considering the 
large amount of problems caused by alcohol, I can't understand why 
less-harmful substances are targeted.

Many drinkers are extremely responsible when they drink, but there are 
plenty who do get carried away. This leads to a good amount of this 
country's domestic abuse cases, not to mention the deaths of completely 
innocent people.

It just seems odd that second-hand smoke is focused on, while the cases of 
the many people whose lives are affected by irresponsible drinkers aren't.

It also seems odd that cigarettes, a substance whose negative effects can 
take many years to show themselves, is focused on, while a heavy night of 
drinking can kill a person.

MATT POWELL

Eau Claire
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