Three out of ten young people will become addicted to tobacco products, one in ten will become an alcoholic, and three in ten already live in homes severely affected by addiction. We are called, therefore, first of all to offer good role models to children around us. And we are called to face hard facts. A recent study shows that cigarette frequent use among teens was 16.8 percent in 1999, compared with 12.7 percent in 1991. People who begin smoking before age 13 are significantly more likely than nonsmokers and those who begin smoking later to have significant problems with alcohol and other drugs.
Alcohol is the number one drug among today's youth.
Young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol addiction than those who begin drinking at age 20. What You Can Do Churches are challenged to initiate one new program on behalf of children and youth during the Year of the Child. No matter how you answer that question, it is right to get involved and get others involved. In your congregation and in your private devotional life, lift up the concerns of children and youth in prayers of intercession. Be with our families and our community of faith as we and our children face the pressures and temptations of addiction.