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The recent alcohol-related deaths of University of Maine first-year Adam Baxter and 18-year-old Adam Beggs of Auburn, who died just one week earlier, should remind us all to be responsible for ourselves and for our friends.
It is clear that drinking is more common than not among college students, underage or otherwise, and we do not frown on students who drink. However, we should not be oblivious to the fact that some students can take it too far and consume alcohol well beyond their limits. The results of this sort of behavior can be tragic, as we have recently seen.
The average student at a party does not expect that when a friend passes out, he or she may never wake up. It is clear from the events of the past two weeks that it does happen.
The disturbing part of all of this is that Alcohol Responsibility Week was held just recently. Clearly, no lesson the university teaches can take the place of personal responsibility. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to watch themselves and to educate themselves.
It is sad to think that it may take the deaths of two young students to raise attention on the subject of underage drinking. Hopefully this tragic, unexpected lesson will prove effective.
We do not expect underage drinking, or drinking of any type, to stop. However, students should always be mindful to know their limits, know when to stop, keep a watchful eye on friends and, overall, be responsible for themselves and those around them while having a good time.
Bangor Daily News