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Tue, Nov 24 2009 

Published: April 20, 2007 10:01 am    print this story  

Prom

By: Stephanie Opfer, SWHS News Staff
Commonwealth Journal

My best friend’s prom was Saturday night and to the best of my knowledge he enjoyed himself very much. He did get angry, however, that a lot of his friends had spent $60 on a ticket and left early to party. After prom was over, he made his way to a friend’s house to pick up a few things that he had left there. Coincidently, this was also where the party was. With all the drugs and booze being passed around, I guess the temptation became a little overwhelming for him.

Let me explain. For most people, one bottle of Mike’s Hard Lemonade won’t even give you a buzz, but my friend weighs only 115 lbs and has never drunk before in his life. I, being the Internet geek that I am, was on my laptop almost all night Saturday. Around four in the morning I got a call when he was DRIVING home! I could hear him giggling and acting really weird so I made my own conclusion, “He was drunk.” He insisted otherwise, but I have known him long enough to be able to tell when something isn’t right. I still didn’t believe him.

Someone should have had enough sense to take him home or not let him drive but, the friends I have remaining in Florida, sadly, have all turned to binge drinking stoners and, needless to say, I no longer associate with them. I wish I had been there but the 500 miles that separates us does present somewhat of a problem. I would have gone in for him and got his things and we would have left, or, had he really wanted a drink, I would have driven him home.

I told him to call me Sunday and we would talk. I finally managed to throw myself into bed around 5 am and I woke up really late, but I still hadn’t received a call. In the night I had a dream, with the worst images to have ever crossed my mind. I dreamt that he had been in an accident and things were looking bleak. So, I awoke and called, numerous times, to no avail. It was 3:30 in the afternoon, I had to clock in to work at 4 and I still hadn’t heard a word from him. I started to panic. I called him, yet again, demanding he call back and tell me what happened and where he was.

Statistics indicate that alcohol-related peer pressure is strongest at prom time. In 2000, during nine consecutive spring weekends during prom/graduation season, the percent of traffic related fatalities that were alcohol-related ranged between 58% and 70% (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

My friend was lucky; he managed to make it home safe. But I have never been so afraid for someone before in my life. If you are contemplating drinking then think first about the friends and family who love you.

All I can ask of you is to not drink and drive. Not just after prom, but ever. Never assume that your friends will not drink and drive. Make a plan and choose who will be the designated driver. Don’t become another statistic.

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