The Effects of Alcoholism on Children

Alcoholism is also known as a disease. Growing up, as a child, I had a friend whose dad was an alcoholic. This was a very sad environment that she lived in. I am almost positve that he was also physically abusive. I can remember her not wanting anyone to come to her house because she was afraid of what her dad might do or say. This was a huge embarrassment for her and her mother. My friend was abused mentally as well. There were many times that she was late for school or maybe she just wouldn't show up for a day or so. Her mother was a wonderful person and provided much support for her during her childhood and teen-age years. An alcoholic can totally disrupt family life and cause harmful effects that can last a lifetime. I think my friend suffered from low self-esteem and depression and most likely is still suffering today. 

The minimum legal drinking age varies dramatically around the world. Most such laws apply only to drinking alcoholic beverages in public locations. The only country with a minimum legal age for consuming alcohol at home is the United Kingdom, which prohibits drinking below the age of six.

Internationally, the average age at which drinking alcohol first occurs is 12 years and about 80% of young people begin drinking alcoholic beverages regularly at age 15 or younger according to the World Health Organization (WHO).


Hunger in Nicaragua

Nicaraguans are no strangers to hunger. The country is considered the second poorest nation in the western hemisphere. I was able to be part of a mission team and visit there in 2006. Hunger among the people was definitly an issue. Many of the children were not afforded the opportunity to attend school. Many children had to begin working at an early age. The more time the children spent working and out of school, the less likely they are to return. Therefore, their educational levels were very low.

Stop hunger Now is a hunger relief agency that is working on a commitment to end huger. Stop Hunger Now has shipped over 3 million meals to Nicaragua and more is on the way. Visit stophungernow.org
for more information.