News-Record.com

For the past two years, I have submitted articles asking parents to be positive role models for their children. I have given advice such as "be aware of messages that you are sending to your children when you pop the cork of the bottle of champagne"; and, "If you are going to a holiday gathering, please have a designated driver." I then asked myself "what benefit does alcohol bring?" I thought of people having a good time drinking and laughing. It happens, but not as often as we think.

Here's the reality (statistics from Department of Justice):

• one-third of offenders who commit rapes or sexual assaults of persons 12 and older have been drinking;


• alcohol was part of 40 percent of the violent victimization of a significant other;


• one in five alcohol-related incidents involved a weapon;


• 84 percent of drinking drivers in fatal accidents in 1994 were reported to have been at .08 blood alcohol concentration or higher.

This year, I am asking people of all ages to have an alcohol-free New Year. Celebrate knowing that you are protecting yourself and others by losing the booze. Be safe, be smart, and be happy! Make 2008 great!

Julie Westholder
Greensboro

The writer is a substance-abuse prevention consultant for Alcohol and Drug Services of Guilford Inc.