Teens in Ballwin Hear Cautionary Tale of Alcohol Abuse

An “A” student at with a golf scholarship in his pocket saw his life tragically altered after a days-long drinking binge ended on prom night in 2006.

“I began drinking at 14 years old and continued to drink in high school," said Alex Bauchman, now 23 and sober for 28 months. "I was able to keep good grades, play on the golf team and earn a scholarship. I was good at fooling my parents and teachers."

That quickly changed, however, following an event Bauchman detailed Wednesday at where students and parents attended an event called "Keeping Kids Safe."

Bauchman had attended a prom after-party, where he drank for hours. Eventually, Bauchman fell asleep. He awoke lying next to a young woman in a bathroom.

“It didn’t look good to be found in that position. Everyone thought something happened between me and the girl, and I couldn’t remember anything,” he said.

The girl’s boyfriend fought Bauchman. Bauchman suffered serious facial injuries and was hospitalized for 2.5 weeks. The young woman was also hospitalized, and it was determined she had not been sexually assaulted. Bauchman was not charged in the incident. 

When Bauchman returned to school, rumors had ruined his reputation. He enrolled in college, but his life continued to spiral downward. He lost his scholarships and dropped out of school. His parents repeatedly sought treatment for him to no avail.

Finally, several years ago, Bauchman accepted his alcohol problem and found a treatment program that has helped him remain sober.

Other members of the “Keeping Kids Safe” panel agreed that while Bauchman’s story is not typical, alcohol and drug use is a part of many students’ lives. 

The Rockwood Drug-Free Coalition, which sponsored the event, provides education, resources and peer-oriented prevention efforts to keep students alcohol and drug-free.

“We invited a range of panelists to offer an opportunity to see this issue from varied perspectives,” said Ken McManus, coordinator of Rockwood’s Prevention Services.

 Members of the panel were:

• Jon Schultz, assistant principal of Marquette High School
• Jenny Armbruster, regional coordinator for the support center of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
• Melinda Gorman, defense attorney
• Nancy Bengston, parent and former Marquette PTO president

“Rockwood seeks to assist our students in avoiding risky behavior such as alcohol and drug use. We reinforce the idea of making positive choices and avoiding peer pressure,” Schultz said. 

 The district uses crash re-enactments and public service announcements in an effort to deter drug use. There are consequences if students are caught using drugs or alcohol. They can be barred from participating in school activities. Students who are in possession of drugs or alcohol at school or school-sponsored functions could be suspended or made to participate in the district’s drug program.

Schultz said the district feels there must be a penalty for these behaviors, but educators attempt to avoid negatively impacting the student’s education.

“Students on a first offense can avoid losing the school year. We allow them to complete their work to so they can finish the year,” Schultz said.

Armbruster suggests that parents have open, repeated conversations with their children about drugs. 

“Parents must set boundaries, let their children know what is not allowed and what the consequences are for failing to stay within the boundaries,” Armbruster said. “Just as we say ‘no’ to toddlers who acting out, we must realize it’s OK to say ‘no’ to our teens.”

The following tips to keep kids safe, sober and drug-free at prom were offered to parents who attended the event:

1. Know the Plans

• Who is driving, to and from? Think twice about allowing underclassmen child to travel and party with upperclassmen.
• Who is going? Get names and phone numbers for parents and children.
• Where and when? Know the dinner, dance and after-party locations
• Set a curfew. Students really don't need to stay out all night.
• Touch base. Text or make a quick call to confirm all is well.
• Don’t allow plan changes without parental involvement.
• Wait up for your child to hear all the fun stories.

2.  After-Party Safety

• No alcohol or other drugs.
• Know the location, who is supervising and time frames for the party.
• If kids leave the party, host parents should not allow them to return.
• Provide food and beverages and don't allow other items to be brought in.
• Have your child choose one party to attend and avoid party hopping.
• Offer to help the host parents with the party.

3.  General Safe Practices

• Keep garage doors closed. "Garaging," slang for stealing alcohol from open garages, is a common means for bolder teens to access alcohol.
• Keep alcohol and medications safely locked out of sight to reduce access.

4.  Provide a Safety Net for Your Child

• Talk candidly with your child about balancing safety and fun. Ask about their expectations and concerns.
• Provide an "out" for your teen. Be available to rescue them from unsafe circumstances. Provide the ride or money for a taxi.
• Communicate with other parents to assure common expectations.

For more information on these programs, visit the sites below or contact them by telephone.

• Rockwood Drug-Free Coalition 636-733-2136
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse-St. Louis, 314-962-3456