The alcohol industry has given a new meaning to Trick or Treat, according to Jerome M. Adams, who spoke at West Lafayette High School on Monday night.
Adams explained how alcohol companies are targeting young people to drink on Halloween and how dangerous it can be. He added that alcohol is the nation’s number one drug problem among youth.
The National Parent-Teacher Association puts on a “Halloween Ball,” which is an anti-drinking program. Adams is the honorary chairman of this year’s event.
Adams is traveling to different locations within the nation to inform people of the danger between our youth and alcohol.
I also find it scary that we continue to consider beer and wine as “soft liquor.” There’s nothing soft about ethyl alcohol, said Adams.
He talks about how the availability of alcohol to young people is part of the problem. The glamorization and society acceptance feed into the problem.
The National Institute on Alcohol abuse and Alcoholism reports that, currently four point six million teenagers have a drinking problem.
Adams added about how Saman, the ancient Keltic Lord of the Dead, summoned evil spirits just like the distilleries are to our youth around the time of Halloween.
“What I say is scary is the possibility of increased carnage on our highways. Last year alone 40 % of all deaths in young people were due to crashes, and about half were alcohol-related, said Adams.”
Adams encouraged the audience to be part of the solution by taking action by volunteering, donating, and providing resources.
“For their sake and our own, let us keep Halloween sane, safe — and sober,” said Adams.
West Lafayette High School will be partaking in the “Halloween Ball” this year. Adams hopes this event will encourage the youth to celebrate Halloween safely, not the way the alcohol industry wants.
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