Dr. Edward B. Yoon in his letter ("Remove drugs to stem abuse," Oct. 5) shares alarming statistics concerning fatal drug overdose deaths, but what shouldn't be lost in the conversation is how many young people have died due to binge drinking.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among those under age 21. According to the CDC's most recent fact sheet, underage drinking is responsible for more than 4,700 annual deaths. More than 90 percent of what those people drink is consumed in the form of binge drinking.
It appears that the most addictive drug for teens is not to be found in medicine cabinets, but in liquor cabinets. Parents need to be aware and not display alcohol containers as decorations. They should be off-limits to teenagers.
DORIS AIKEN
President
Remove Intoxicated Drivers (RID-USA)
Schenectady