Lessons Learnt from Alcohol Abuse - Essay Example

Lessons Learnt from Alcohol Abuse The rate of alcohol abuse in higher learning s has been on the increase. Students find admission in the institutions due to their high performance in prerequisite institutions. Once admitted into the institution the students realize that there is a lot of freedom. Most of them admit that they had never experimented with alcohol before joining colleges and universities. Peer pressure is the major cause of new alcohol addictions among students (Torr, 32). Once students find admission, they find new friends who are from different social and cultural backgrounds. Members of such groups of friends make attractive suggestions on how they feel great while drunk. The statements in their conversations persuade individuals who do not abuse alcohol to consider having a little of it. During the last semester, a particular group of friends who are members of a dance team in the college had a bad experience with alcohol. The theatre and arts department of the college planned a talent-showcasing event. All the students who believed that they had talents took advantage of the platform to prove their worth. This is because there were several benefits and awards to winners of the events. The dance group registered for their participation in the event as they believed that they were the best dance team in the college. The relevant authorities in the education sector support the need for extra curriculum in colleges and universities. This is because such programs enable students to realize their potential besides educational achievements (Torr, 32). However, the authority does not support the use of alcohol and other drugs during such events. This is because alcohol abuse is most rampant among the students during such events, leading to immature actions that make the students to regret later. The day of the event finally reached and all the students were excited, as they had waited for the day eagerly. The college gave a notice of the cancellation of all the lectures of the day. This was another reason for the students’ excitement. All the students assembled in one large entertainment hall that had loud music. The lecturers in charge gave their opening speeches that initiated the performances from different groups. However, there was a warning that the lectures gave in relation to alcohol use. They stated that if any students take alcohol, then they should not interfere with the peaceful events of the day. The college is an alcohol and drug free institution, but it does not have a problem with students who are able to contain themselves if they take alcohol. There are programs within the college that educate students on the effects of alcohol and how they can handle peer pressure during events. In the event, it was surprising that some students were already drunk. The programs of the day continued as planned and the dancing competition was about to take place. The dance teams were already preparing for their sessions and ensuring that their cheering squads had full energy. One after the other the dance teams staged their performances, dancing along to their music genre of choice. The particular dance team that believed that it was the best in the college had their chance to perform and prove their perception. As they headed to the stage, it was evident that they had taken some form of drug. They seemed to be full of energy and most of the students were screaming in support of the team. One of the teams that had just made a performance was leaving the stage and they could not seem to tolerate all the excitement. After a short while, there seemed to be some kind of confrontation on the stage. The two dance teams had started a fight due to the rivalry that they had created among themselves. The student population became aware of the events that were occurring on the stage. Everyone became alert and started to act in favor of the teams that they supported. At the turn of events, it appeared that most of the students were drinking in the performance hall. This was because there were instant splashes of alcohol due to the alcohol smell that dominated the air. There was a major confusion in the room and students started to throw alcohol bottles to others. Unfortunately, one of the students was hit by a bottle on the forehead and was lying helpless on the floor. I made efforts to have the school ambulance arrive at the scene as soon as possible. Police officers were already at the scene and the students had to respect their call to end the event. The student that was hit died hours after their arrival at the hospital due to profuse bleeding. The parents of the student sued the college and the court decided that the school gives the family monetary compensation that was transferred to all the students. The lessons learnt from the experience include the need to have institutions prohibit the use of alcohol within educational institutions. Alcohol use has adverse effects to an individual’s decision-making capability. It could act as an educational barrier to the students who become addicts in their early years of study. In addition, alcoholism leads to violence as drunk people feel intimidated at the slightest chance of provocation. There is a need to develop a prevention plan that ensures that the risks of alcohol-triggered events are mitigated appropriately and with immediate effect (Kapner, 43). The use of alcohol could create health risks that include brain damage and other unfortunate occurrences such as death. Due to these concerns, it is important for the college administration to ensure that the guidance and counselling department is effective. This could act as a center for students who have an alcoholic problem. If given the platform, the students could share their experiences with others and develop measures that ensure their full recovery from alcohol. The policies in place for drug and alcohol abuse in the college needs should be effected appropriately. If any of the students or staff of the college violates such policies, then they must be discontinued for their education in the college. Work Cited Torr, James D. Teens and Alcohol. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven, 2002. Print. Top of Form Bottom of Form Kapner, Daniel Ari. Secondary Effects of Heavy Drinking on Campus. Newton, Mass. (55. Chapel Street): Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention, 2008. Print Read More