The first step is always the hardest

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By Assemblyman Peter J. Biondi

One of the most challenging transitions in life is going from adolescence to adulthood. For some, there is the pressure of continuing their education or obtaining employment. Others are faced with a drastically different social setting involving new acquaintances and deciding whether to affiliate themselves with a different group outside their normal comfort zone.

Another key component during this critical phase of life is a person’s maturing process, which varies by individual. With the freedoms that one enjoys upon turning 18 or the responsibilities a 25-year-old faces related to a job or a personal relationship, there is pressure, which is often followed by stress.

And stress can be handled in many ways. One of the outlets people reach for in order to handle pressure or cope with stress is by turning to alcohol. At first, it may be used in a social setting, but after getting a few "under your belt," it has the potential to morph into a weapon that a person uses to be part of the group, relax, numb the pain or celebrate.

Whatever the motive, the consequences can be devastating and result in an outcome that affects not only the substance abuser, but their family, friends and innocent bystanders as well.

Many people use alcohol as a way to cope, while others want to fit in with their peers and believe it is a means to maintaining friendships or a necessary tool to be used in climbing their career ladder.

Regardless of the motive, there are too many instances where lives are ruined, friendships ended and careers destroyed because of alcohol abuse. As a legislator and former business owner, I have seen firsthand the impact this addiction has on the individual, as well as those who are collateral victims.

While tragedy befalls many who fall prey to this addiction, there are resources available to overcome their dependency. The real misfortune is when help is available and pride or an unwillingness to admit there is a problem stands in the way. It is often said that the hardest step to take in overcoming a chemical dependency is the first one.

Fortunately, there are programs available to treat this affliction and perhaps even prevent it. A local program, Somerset’s Initiative for Partying Safely (SIPS), which is run by the nonprofit group EmPoWER Somerset, will be hosting a community forum on Wednesday, April 28, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., at Raritan Valley Community College.

The discussion will focus on raising awareness of the impact that alcohol abuse and other drugs has on young adults. The purpose is to exchange information and let people know they are not alone in battling this disease.

One of our greatest tools in dealing with substance abuse is education. EmPoWER has been in the business of helping people for more than 35 years. They are teachers and counselors who offer high quality educational programs in various settings throughout the community and who also provide technical assistance to educators, therapists, faith-based leaders, and other community partners to help these groups enhance their own prevention education efforts.

The open forum EmPoWER is hosting represents a first step for those who need help or for those who provide it. The door is open, welcoming all those who visit. But the first step must be yours.

Assemblyman Peter J. Biondi, R-Hillsborough, represents the 16th Legislative District.