DRINK AND DRUGS
Another market that has the potential to exploit not just the young but all of us, if we're not careful, is the drinks industry. Time and again we see advertisements showing the glamorous side of alcohol. Happy young people chatting and having fun. Much of the time this is the case, but it is not a very rounded picture.  

'DEBBIE'-SERIOUSLY DAMAGED? I kept telling him to stop but he wouldn't. He just kept going saying he knew I really wanted it. He held his hand over my mouth so I couldn't scream. He was my boy-friend and I thought I knew him but drink changed him. I didn't know who to tell I felt so ashamed. Eventually, I told the school counsellor. She was very understanding and I've reported it to the guards but I don't want to relive the whole thing in court being questioned as if I wasn't telling the truth. Most girls are worse off afterwards.

I try to warn other girls about him but some of them don't want to know, they think it was my fault. I'm in therapy now and that helps. Sooner or later he'll pay for what he did, I know that. If I ever date a fellow again I'll watch out for signs like a bad temper and bullying. I'm only going to go out in group Until I get to know him. Now, I'm very suspicious of anybody who keeps telling me what to do. I'll also make sure to get to know his family to see how he gets on there.

Alcohol is responsible directly or indirectly for more unhappiness and sorrow than the majority of people are prepared to admit.  

'JOAN' FELT ASHAMED My dad beats my ma but for years she didn't do anything about it. It is always when he's had a few drinks. He doesn't know what he's doing, but he should've looked for help. My ma should've made him. I used to feel ashamed and not talk to anyone but when I saw my brother starting the same way I had a nervous break- down and told my school counsellor. We went to a shelter first but now we have a house and my ma is happy again.  

'GARY'-TORN BY HID DAD'S DRINKING My dad spends all his spare-time in the pub, and when he is at home he never talks to us, he's grumpy and annoyed so we just disappear. I've taken a job to help out my mother, she never spends any money on her- self. Last year I got her a holiday with one of her friends, she loved it. But I'm afraid for my sister, she has started to drink and hangs out with a bad crowd.