Binge drinking is the biggest problem of the two problems, because it effects more people and more people take it to an extreme. Maybe it is just because this area has such a problem with alcohol but it really seems like a nationwide problem. Yes, extacy has worse long term effects but do you know anyone who regularly takes it, or that has taken it at all? Chances are slim. Alcohol effects every demographic, from the rich, to the poor, to the educated, to the uneducated, from the soccer mom to the homeless person. Alcohol abuse is a growing problem and needs to stop, and can, through youth education.
To put it bluntly, D.A.R.E. doesn't work. Dare doesn't keep a kid from drinking or doing drugs at all. The government needs to take a different approach. The approach these days it so stand offish, not going deep into the issue. They don't answer why people drink. They don't answer what happens. They don't tell the complete truth. Sure they say, "people drink because they are sad" or "You can get very sick" but they don't go into detail about it. I can honestly say that I only remember writing what I was told to write, pledging what I was told to pledge, and sitting and listening. Cute video's with rabbits getting high aren't the types of material that keeps kids off of drugs. Teachers and community members should take an active role in keeping kids from drinking. There seems to be such a "oh, drinking isn't as bad as..." or "It's alright cause adults do it..." thing. Kids need to know that going to a party and drinking over 10 drinks, or over 4-5 drinks is irresponsible and can damage them for life. Teenagers need to learn that alcoholism starts from innocent parties that turn into reutines that turn into habits. Binge drinking can kill too, yes, but it debilitates long term more than it kills, and that's the real tragety.