Be Free for the Weekend
By Robert D. Grupe, Prevention Coordinator
It seems that for a great number of people in today's society alcohol has become almost synonymous with having a good time. Each Friday you might hear high school students discussing the beer party taking place that weekend and the fateful question - Are you gonna be there? Or you might hear parents talking about convening to the local bar after a tough week at work.
A variety of activities are being planned for April as it has been designated Alcohol Awareness Month. April 5-7, 2002 starts this off as Alcohol Free Weekend. For parents, this is the opportunity for you to show your children of your awareness in the increasing alcohol problem and express a willingness to participate in its extinction. For teens, this provides the chance to become involved and show your parents that you wish to be part of the solution and not the problem. Having fun without alcohol is very possible and this is the chance to explore that option.
So instead of going out and drinking explore different alternatives. Here are some examples. Go bowling. Play some tennis or ride your bike. Watch that movie that you always meant to rent or catch that television program you used to watch. Have a night just for your family. Nothing bad can come out of a serious game of scrabble or other board games with friends or family. Spend some time with someone that you have not seen for a while. Catch up on all those letters or e-mails promised to friends and family far away. The possibilities are endless as long as you use your imagination!