I would like to add the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers to the list of organizations cited in Ken Bode's Dec. 5 column ("Gentleman's Rule doesn't stop the drinking"). I serve as a member of the board of directors of NAATP and we also do not support lowering the drinking age to 18. We are requesting that the college presidents who support the Amethyst Initiative reconsider this discussion in a way that responds to the real, long-term solutions of binge-drinking and substance abuse through educational prevention and treatment programs. We believe they can make a significant difference if they see the larger perspective. We urge them to consider:

Students today are tomorrow's leaders. The misuse of alcohol impacts society significantly and crosses all levels. Information and research are available today that can prepare students in both their personal decisions regarding alcohol use and their response when they encounter individuals with a drinking problem.

Alcoholism is a primary progressive chronic disease, which can be addressed through professional treatment and lifelong management of the disease.

Every enrolled college and university student should be required to take a course taught by a certified addiction professional on the issues of use of alcohol and responsible drinking versus misuse; signs and symptoms of alcohol problems; how to confront a friend or colleague with an alcohol problem; and treatment for alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

Every college and university will commit itself to having available and accessible services for students needing assessment and treatment referral for alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

Every college and university will support and ensure that there are 12-step meetings available on their campus and that every student has access to a list of meetings and times.

All colleges and universities supporting the Amethyst Initiative will issue a "zero-tolerance" policy on campus and at all institutional-sponsored events for alcohol abuse.

Finally, we urge the college presidents to use the Amethyst Initiative to develop policies and to issue statements on the many hidden issues associated with alcohol abuse such as date rape, bullying, intimidation and irresponsible public behavior.

Fairbanks has structured our adolescent and young adult education and counseling programs to meet the individual needs of those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Our experience tells us that the younger people are when they begin to use substances, the greater chance they have of becoming addicted. We do not believe that lowering the legal drinking age will solve the problem of binge drinking on college campuses.