Youth In Crisis…Alcohol And Adolescence, Surviving The Culture

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On day two of our series behind the silence: Youth In Crisis, we examine how drugs and alcohol have become coping mechanisms for depression and suicidal thoughts among teens.

While The Bahamas is steeped in Christian values, many young people still face these struggles. Today, we speak with a young leader who has walked that path and is now helping others find a better way forward.

We wonder do you recall your first taste of alcohol? For President of Beacon Ignited Youth group, Gabriel John, he admits his first introduction to drugs and alcohol came from a family member.

Gabriel John – President, Beacon Ignited Youth Group

“As it relates to drug and alcohol, my first introduction was through a family member actually. Um and never really had a desire for it even afterward but then growing up and trying to fit in and be in the norm, then of course you find yourself slipping, you find yourself dipping and diving just to be a part of the community. just to be apart of the crowd, feel welcomed, feel in the group.”

But, John is challenging young people facing similar peer pressure to stand out and truly reflect on what they want for themselves and their lives.

Gabriel John – President, Beacon Ignited Youth Group

“ Come to an acceptance that, okay, this is not you. And I think that’s really what the question needs to be.. Is this really me? Am I doing this because I want to do it? Or am I doing this because I think people should see me doing it.”

Gabriel John – President, Beacon Ignited Youth Group

“ Is it me? I came to an understanding that this isn’t me. Then I realised that okay.. If I know I have persons around me, who are involving themselves in this and I myself don’t want to, I want to discontinue that lifestyle, then I need to make a separation. There’s a saying that you are guilty by association. So, I could claim that I don’t drink, I don’t smoke but if I am around persons who are doing it and I am constantly… that’s my company my group then obviously person will begin to think that I myself do it as well.”

John says the struggles many young people face today often stem from unstable homes. With more than 80 percent of Bahamian households led by single parents, guidance can be inconsistent, but, he believes reflection and faith can help.

Gabriel John – President, Beacon Ignited Youth Group

“ God wants us to come to him simple. how we are and who we are.”

Gabriel John – President, Beacon Ignited Youth Group

“  Say god help me with this. Yes, I did not come from the best of backgrounds, yes, my family wasn’t there, yes my dad wasn’t there. Yes, my dad wasn’t there my mom wasn’t there. Yes, I came from an abusive family but, how can I be the best individual that I can be? How can I be the best person to myself? the best person to others…what is my purpose? “

He adds that many youth shy away from the church due to judgmental attitudes, not god. John calls for church leaders to lead with genuine love and support.

Gabriel John – President, Beacon Ignited Youth Group

“  If more churches and leaders, and I’m not just talking about, um, just a church in gen, in, in, in general, if leaders, anyone who holds the position of a leader can lead in love and not love in which I give you this and when I need you. I can come back for you. love that says you can take this and when I need you, if you say no, I will not throw in your face what I did for you. If we can have true and genuine love, then the world and this nation and the Bahama Land, and honestly, better than where it is now.”