Академический Документы
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Kayla Young
Abstract
Substance abuse is one of the main issues in the world today. Most people are not aware of the
effects substance abuse has, as well as not knowing it is mainly abused by teens. In order to
maintain the increase of underage drinking, there was a policy that came about known as the
STOP (sober truth on preventing) underage drinking act. The STOP Act was in place to prevent
or reduce the use of alcohol on individuals between the ages of 12-20. It came about in favor of
providing funding to reduce underage drinking in communities. The main underlying value of
this policy is to prevent underage kids from drinking, as well as abusing any substance. It is a
funded program/ policy to reduce the percentage of adolescents who are participating in
underage drinking. With this act being in place since 2006, there has been little to no change of
the amount of underage drinking that is currently going on. This continues to be a big issue, and
an issue that will always be ignored by society. This policy should be continued but implemented
for those in rural areas. Rural areas should be considered for more resources.
Keywords: underage drinking, substance abuse, drug use, adolescence, STOP Underage Drinking
Substance abuse is one of the main issues in the world today. Most people are not aware
of the effects substance abuse has, as well as not knowing it is mainly abused by teens. The
known as “Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act.” The main component of
the act I chose was to prevent or reduce the use of alcohol on individuals between the ages of 12-
20. The social problem addressed in the policy of my choice is underage drinking. The concern
Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act came about in 2006. It came about in
favor of providing funding to reduce underage drinking in communities. This act was initiated by
Lucille Roybal- Allard, where she introduced it in 2005. People who supported this policy are
congressmen, substance abuse and mental health services administration and many communities.
After doing research on the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act, it was brought to
my attention that no one really opposed this act. The social problem that was attempted to be
solved during initiation was to prevent underage drinking. It was also funded programs
associated with this act to help prevent underage drinking as well. This social problem was
known worldwide to be an issue amongst teens. This social problem affected individuals from
the age range of 12 to 20. At this stage of life, many adolescences are peer pressured to turn to
drugs to fix their “problems.” The issue of underage drinking was always looked down upon
before this policy. It’s always been something that the world, including many adults wanted to
fix. It’s always been a problem that was considered dangerous and needed to be controlled. This
social issue was also talked about a lot but didn’t really have any actions put forth to help it. The
Substance Abuse
act goes about reducing underage drinking by spreading awareness of the dangers associated
with underage drinking. The more awareness spread of the negativity associated with underage
The main underlying value of this policy is to prevent underage kids from drinking, as
well as abusing any substance. It is a funded program/ policy to reduce the percentage of
adolescents who are participating in underage drinking. With adolescents being at the stage in
life where they are stressed and fall easily to peer pressure, I believe the main goal is also to find
adults who are trustworthy enough for teens to be able to open up to and turn to instead of going
to drugs and alcohol. A theory that is correlated well with this policy is “Theories of Learning”
and “Social Role.” Theories of Learning theory is also known as the “Monkey See Monkey Do”
theory. “At this stage of development, teenagers are more likely to mimic what they see, as far as
their peers or family/ environment” (Newman, 2015). Peer pressure, as mentioned before is
easily given into at this stage which is why a lot of the times teenagers hang around the certain
groups they do, and all do and participate in the same activities. Most of the time, children
around the age of 17-20 are more involved with underaged drinking because of their peers,
especially college students. The monkey see monkey do phase, is something that is very effective
and popular, which is something teenagers take part in on the daily basis. As far as the “Social
Role” theory, it refers to the expectations of a specific group. The “norm” expectations of an
adolescent are to go to school and make friends, not considering the downfall of meeting friends
who are not positive role models for them. The social role of a college kid, ranging from ages 17-
20 is typically to go to school to further their education, while there are many students who go to
school to party and fall under the pressure of their peers to drink and abuse many substances to
Substance Abuse
have fun. With this act being in place since 2006, there has been little to no change of the amount
of underage drinking that is currently going on. This continues to be a big issue, and an issue that
will always be ignored by society. I believe the strengths perspective is a theory that is in strong
contrast to the policy I chose. As the strengths perspective looks at only the good in situations
and try to build from the positive, when looking at underage drinking and the effects it has there
wouldn’t be many positives to pull from that situation. The strengths perspective is put into place
so as a social worker you are not focusing on so much as the problem but pulling out the
positives and talents of the situation. It is important not to focus on what may be causing the
The ethics and values involved with this policy is service, dignity and worth of a person,
importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. “Service is understanding that the
primary goal of a social worker is the need of help” (NASW, 2008), meaning knowing your
positions as a social worker and being able to provide help for those in need. “Dignity and worth
of a person is understanding and respecting an individual no matter what their situation is”
important and being able to vent to someone is important as well” (NASW, 2008). “Integrity is
referring to the trustworthy relationship between a social worker and client” (NASW, 2008).
“Competence is being understanding of the different types of people” (NASW, 208). Being able
to be understanding. Service is an ethical value I chose because as a social worker you must
understand why a teenager may be going through what they are, as well as understanding their
feelings. As a social worker it is effective to understand why the teenager is coming to see you,
and always keep in mind the goal of the teen. Dignity and worth of a person is something I chose
Substance Abuse
as well because, it is very important not to judge your clients and show them that you care about
them. Importance of human relationships are important as well, due to the strength of a client. A
client has to be able to know they can open up to their peers. These policies are in compliance
with the Code of Ethics, due to the fact that there are many values in relation to this policy. This
policy does not necessarily promote social or economic justice. This policy is simply to promote
Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act is an act that focuses on a reduction of
the use of substances for people who range from ages 12-20. This age range is very acceptable to
substance abuse due to the high rate of depression and anxiety. Often, the teenager is not aware
that they are abusing substances which makes it difficult for statistics to keep up. Teenagers are
not known to get help for this issue, instead they typically tend to continue. Adolescence, as
The target population for this act are adolescents. The eligibility criteria for this act is
current or former drug free community recipients (McCance, 2017). Based on research done for
the STOP Act, I was educated on the many scholarships and grants that are associated with it. As
with any other act, there are always benefits and non-beneficial relations. The benefits of the
STOP act are the grants and scholarships offered. The STOP Act awards almost $50,000 a year
for the grants offered. The program may not be beneficial to their population because not
everyone would be awarded the grants and scholarships available. The policy currently awards
abusers. Many adults look down on teenagers who abuse substances, rather than trying to
provide help for them, which is why it is encouraged to help them get help.
Substance Abuse
Implementation
The STOP Act, as when it first came about is still implemented as it was initially
planned. Its initial purpose was to reduce the use of substances for underaged people. Its purpose
today is still being fulfilled. The only barriers in relation to the act is the denial of adolescents to
this social problem. Most teenagers do not typically realize and categorize their use of substances
as abuse, they define it more as “fun.” Due to the STOP Act, there has been positive changes.
There has been a decrease in the use of substances for underage drinkers, as well as the decrease
in parental disapproval for their adolescent (McCance, 2017). Although the act has been seen and
reported to make changes as growth, there has not been any proposed changes for the act.
adolescence life stage. This life stage ranges from 12-18, but the act focuses on ages 12-20.
Policy Strengths
Some of the strengths of the STOP Act are bringing communities and parents together
who need getting help for their teenage child together, it builds character for those who are in the
programs offered, the act also promotes and spreads awareness on the issue of substance abuse.
Along with the act, there are campaigns funded by the STOP Act grant. This policy has brought
a lot of attention needed to this social issue. The STOP Act helps the targeted population by
bringing the awareness needed to youth. It brings attention to the targeted population and allows
survivors to speak out about the dangers that are associated with underage drinking, as far as the
fatal crashes that involve intoxicated youth. Prevention skills are also taught for parents to help
reach out to kids as well. The policy has many positives aspects related to it, which brings a lot
of attention to the act. This policy is empowering because it encourages teenagers to get help, as
Substance Abuse
well as stopping underage drinking. As a response to the social issue of underage drinking, and
the abuse of substances the STOP Act has been effective. This ACT has been effective because
some teenagers stir away from underage drinking due to the horror stories addressed with it.
Although, it may not seem like it has had a big effect on the decision teens make, several
teenagers have actually decided not to drink underage and participate in the illegal activities that
comes with it. Although there are still issues dealing with underage drinking, being that there has
been more campaigns and awareness of the negative effects it has on adolescents it has decreased
a bit. The benefits to the general public would be the awareness that is spread throughout their
community, the general public does not have any benefits as far as monetary. The act is in place
Policy Limitations
Some of the limitations of the policy are as discussed here. People are not as concerned
with the disadvantages and negative effects the use of substances can bring. The youth are not
educated on the statistics of fatal accidents due to drunk drivers, not to mention underage drunk
drivers. People are not educated on the statistics of overdoses. Teenagers are not aware of the
side effects many of the drugs they use have. Teenagers are a prideful group, who do not
willingly reach out. Limitations associated with this policy would also be people of age who are
buying drinks and other substances for youth. As with any policy there are unintended
consequences. Unintended consequences are typically situations that were not meant to be
caused by a certain subject. With the STOP Act being in place to reduce the use of substances for
underage youth, it is not intended for the increase in sexual assault, academic failure, alcohol
poisoning, overdose, hangovers and things in that nature (McCance, 2017). The STOP Act is
Substance Abuse
used as a positive gesture to help youth, as they take substances and abuse them to lead to
The implications the STOP Underage Drinking Act has on rural areas are the factors
opportunities. Rural areas are often linked to the high number of underage age drinking. They are
also looked at for their high rate of drug sales, such as cocaine and marijuana. It is harder for
people in rural areas to get help because of the lack of available resources. There are not any
necessary adjustments for people who live in rural areas about the STOP Underage Drinking Act
policy.
Recommendations
I believe this policy is very useful and should be continued. This policy should be
continued but implemented for those in rural areas. Rural areas should be considered for more
resources. If rural areas are more than likely to be linked to the high rates of underage drinking
then I think there should be resources in place to encourage the prevention, treatment and
recovery process of substance abuse. I think the more resources there are available the less
problems there would be when dealing with substance abuse. The focus of the STOP Underage
Drinking Act should be high school and college students. The life stages of those in high school
and college do not really take underage drinking as serious as they should. I believe there should
be some type of program implemented for this particular group of individuals, so they can
become more serious to this social problem. Underage drinking incidents are only taken
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seriously typically to those who have personally experienced or witnessed a tragic event because
of it.
Conclusion
Many teenagers in society today, fall under the pressure of their peers and give in to
substance abuse such as underage drinking. Underage drinking is powerful, one of the most
popular social issues in the nation today which is continuing to be ignored. There are many
effects that underage drinking has on individuals. There are also many factors that play into why
an adolescent may be exposed to such behaviors. There are two well-known theories, known as
the “Theories of Leaning” and the “Social Role Theory.” These two are two of the most looked
at theories when involving this population, as far as this issue is concerned. In many studies it is
shown that teenagers are more than likely to give into peer pressure, because someone they know
is doing it or because it is considered cool. With the policy being passed and approved in 2006,
the issue would have been seen to enforce underage drinking laws. Underage drinking, still is
something that is increasing dramatically daily. It is important to educate yourself and others on
the different policies put into place to avoid any problems. With underage drinking being a huge
issue in society today, this policy should be enforced to prevent and reduce the number of
individuals who are known to participate in activities in such ways. As a social worker it is very
useful to understand and be knowledgeable and educated on many social issues of the world. The
STOP Act is in place to address the growing problem of underage drinking. Adolescents are
known to be diagnosed with many issues, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar due to acts by
their peers. The acts of their peers are a factor in the diagnosis of anxiety because things their
peers say and do around them may strike certain nerves and cause different reactions to become
present depending on the situation. At the life stage of a teenager they go through many
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emotions, one which may include depression. The act of their peers may factor this diagnosis due
to the lack of wants. A teenager may feel a sense of jealousy towards their peers because they
simply can’t have what other may be able to, or they don’t accept themselves as they are.
Depression may come with them looking up to different peers. Adolescents are not developed
and mature enough to be able to handle peer pressure, which plays a big part in their abuse of
substances. The STOP Act is used to spread awareness of the dangers of substance use and
abuse. Substance abuse occurs in many more populations, other than the focus of this act, but
adolescents are seen the most dangerous when speaking on the issue of drinking. The act may
have positives and negatives related to it, such as reaching out to the community and allowing
help for those who are in need but also having to deal with the dangers and statistics of people
who are abusing substances. This policy is seen as very effective, because it has stopped and
prevented many teenagers from participating in activities involving abuse of substances, but it
has also educated a numerous amount of youth of the negative consequences as said before
(McCance, 2017).
Substance Abuse
References
McCance, E. (2017). Substance abuse and mental health services administration. Sober Truth on
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sp-16-007
National Association of Social Work. (2008). National Association of Social Work: Code of
Ethics.
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P.R. (2015). Development through life: A Psychosocial approach.
Rural Health Information Hub. (2002-2018). Substance Abuse in Rural Areas. Retrieved from:
https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/substance-abuse