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ALCOHOL ABUSE AND USby Kawika Cooper Pacific Americans suffer at a higher rate of alcohol abuse than any other minority group in our country. It's a fact. We thought it was part of growing up -- drinking. Then we said everyone else was doing it --drinking. Then we said we would do it only socially --drinking. Then we thought we could take it or leave it --drinking. Then we woke up one morning in our vomit, realized we were in jail for drunk driving, and knew our family name had just been destroyed. Our world is difficult enough with challenges that at times seem unfair for a minority group of no more than 450,000 people. But it is an impossible world when alcohol is in control of your life. Our vision of where we want to go as a people by the year 2020 does not include alcohol; there is no room in our voyage for those of us who believe it's cool or socially acceptable or that it's OK to drink in moderation. The only answer is to “just say never.” Today, tomorrow and forever. Send mail to halepai@punawelewele.com
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