Running Head: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Teens 1

Alcohol and Drug Abuse among Teens

April Vasquez

University of Texas at El Paso

Dr. Pappoe

RWS 1302
Running Head: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Teens 2

Alcohol and Drug Abuse among Teens

Alcohol and drug abuse has been a persistent problem from generation to generation. In

up and coming years, there has been a rise in teens that have picked up these habits. We come to

see that the generations afflicted by these problems are becoming more and more prone to these

diseases. In todays society we see an increase in the amount of teens that become addicted, and

with this we also see that there isnt an increase in the amount of teens obtaining treatment. With

the lack of treatment being obtained there is an urgent need for the spread of information on this

topic. There is an obligation to inform people of the risks because of the probability of

encountering these problems. This is an issue that is entering more and more homes, and

sometimes leaving them in ruins. Through news articles and through personal testimonies the

audience is able to further learn about the topic, they provide a nonjudgmental space to help

better understand. The genre of news articles allows for a topic to be brought up with no

necessary stand point, but much rather provide with facts for the audience to be able to decide a

standpoint on their own. Meanwhile, the genre of YouTube videos, in this case a TEDx talk,

permits a different approach for the subject. YouTube videos in general help spark up

conversation, with the advantage of first-hand experience being the one leading, and being able

to witness different emotions.

Audience and Purpose

Through these genres we are able to reach a good amount of those afflicted by these

issues, both teenagers and parents can be reached with these mediums. Videos and articles help

develop a prevention system for these teens. Often times they provide the audience with crucial

tools to combat these diseases. Rather than providing a treatment, they are meant to bring

awareness to its audience to take action, and how one can take action, before it is too late. These
Running Head: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Teens 3

articles and personal testimonies cant provide a treatment, but their purpose is to teach of the

signs from the arising problem. Rather than focusing solely on an end result, these genres help

build a foundation for prevention.

Rhetorical Issues

Both genres showcase the use of rhetorical appeals in order to convey their message. The

article is able to use all three appeals by establishing credentials through publishing, building an

emotional bond through real life situations, and gives the audience reason through consequences.

The article showcases through an unbiased piece that something needs to be done about the

issue.

Through the TEDx talk, the audience is able to establish an emotional connection early

on given that the girl speaks on a personal level. Having a first-hand experience establishes a

trust in the testimony itself, and lastly builds a logical appeal through the steps she had to go

through in order to reach a solution.

Ethos

Through the publication itself the article is able to make their message believable.

Publishing has a reputation of being credible, therefore from the get-go, the audience is already

engaged in the information being delivered. The source for the article is CBS, which is a

reputable news source. Its channel reaches the homes of many, whether it'd be through their news

show, website, or articles. They provide countless of stories, with accuracy and thorough

information. They have a reputation on the line and they plan on maintaining it.

As a first hand source and personal experience, the TEDx talk is able to convince its

audience through the actual account of the trauma that occurred. This can only be told by

someone who had to battle through an addiction. Being able to speak about such personal events
Running Head: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Teens 4

to a crowd is nerve racking, and this helps the audience understand the severity and reality of the

situation.

Pathos

The article provides testimonies of teens ages 10 to 19, and to any parent this rings an

alarm. This helps the audience build sympathy and empathy for those going through these

struggles. Their emotions are stirred at the thought of someone who could easily be their child, is

going through an addiction. These testimonies also make it relatable for teens, helping them see

how they would feel if their friends or if they were to find themselves in the same situations. By

establishing empathy, teens can convince themselves to seek for help, or offer their help to

others.

Similarly, the TEDx talk establishes the same connection with the audience, but adds a

sense of hope in the end, by providing an image of a person who was able to make it to a better

tomorrow. This is something that can only be achieved by hearing and seeing someone, and it is

a feeling that nothing else can provide.

Logos

Both the article and the TEDx talk provide statistics and information to build a strong

foundation to their message. By showing the numbers that come from case studies, they are able

to demonstrate the severity of the issue, and the often occurrence of these cases. Hanley claims

that 90% of addictions develop in the teen years. During the presentation, she also mentions the

alarming amount of teens who actually end up getting treatment. This information helps put the

situation into perspective, giving the reader a clear view on the issue at hand.

The article sheds light on the many cases of where this is found, but on top of that it

gives a reason to why they are happening. It shows the increase that has been found in the last
Running Head: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Teens 5

couple of decades, through this information, the audience is able to make a judgment as to why

action should be taken. Not only does the article provide information on the consumption, but

also on the frequency of self-inflicting injuries. Seaman states that there was nearly 650,000

adolescents with accidental injuries and 333,000 with adversity-related injuries, from the teens

who suffered from addictions. With this information they build for a stronger case, as to why

there should be something done, and why this is an important topic.

Structure and Delivery

The ways these genres are built, they allow for an exceptional delivery, for such a

sensitive topic. They create a sense of community and acceptance for those who might be going

through this, rather than delivering judgment, which would lead the audience to shy away, and

completely shut the topic out. The articles start off by introducing the problem, leveling with the

audience, as does the TEDx talk. They go on to show the proof of the problems existence, then

also show the testimonial side of these cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion both of these genres show how they appeal their message, that teens now a

days are becoming more and more susceptible in becoming drug and alcohol users or addicts.

Both genres express facts and support systems that teens can use to reach out for help, which can

be the solution to all that live under the influence.

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References

Seaman, A. M. (2017, May 25). Alcohol, drug, violence and self-harm among teens need similar

attention. Retrieved June 13, 2017, from http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-teens-

suicide-idUSKBN18L30H

T. (2016, August 19). Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Teenagers | Megan Hanley |

TEDxBarringtonHighSchool. Retrieved June 13, 2017, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISMLIAXENFc&t=305s

Tracy, B. (2011, April 06). Teenage drug abuse skyrockets. Retrieved June 13, 2017, from

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teenage-drug-abuse-skyrockets/