common goal, they will all adversely, and unintentionally, work against each other. Programs that address only one, two, or three of these branches do work quite well, but they don’t work well enough to snuff out the problem. Student-run organizations like BACCHUS and SADD both combat the problem of teenage drinking. Some go as far as petitioning and motioning for legislation concerning the regulation of alcohol. These programs seem to survive because they “don’t choose whether alcohol is good or bad, [they] look at how to change [the teenager’s] environment” says Drew Hunter, a BACCHUS representative (Clark 228). It seems that BACCHUS and SADD have seemed to survive because they incorporate ‘peers’ into the equation, underage drinkers are being informed by people in their own age group. “They no longer have to listen to the preaching of someone standing atop a soap box” says Hunter, “they [underage drinkers] are much more receptive to people within their own age group” (Clark 228). Hunter also feels that; “young people can play a uniquely effective role in encouraging their peers to reflect on, talk honestly about, and develop responsible habits and attitudes toward alcohol use and non-use (Clark 228). Rob Aptaker, a SADD National Representative, shares his view: “the best way to appeal to a broad range of students is to avoid the goody-two-shoes image” (Clark 229). SADD has been extremely effective, especially on the high school level; SADD helps organize alcohol-free proms and parties and publicized its message using buttons, posters, T-shirts, manuals, and tote bags (Clark 229). Some parent-run and community-based groups like MADD and RDI also wield a great amount of legislative power. MADD and RDI have both had numerous ‘alcohol-regulation’ related bills passed in Congress over the past decade. RDI has single-handedly pass...
