Mother, son detail perils of teen drinking

With firsthand knowledge and experience, Toren Volkmann and his mother, Chris, had plenty to tell juniors and seniors at Plum Senior High School about teenage alcoholism.

Soon, many of the students will head off to college and face the perils the Volkmanns are detailing.

"At college, you'll encounter a whole new group of people, many of which drink regularly. I got sucked into that very lifestyle, and after a while, I found it did me no good," Toren Volkmann, 27, said.

Toren Volkmann, of San Diego, and Chris Volkmann, of Olympia, Wash., are touring in support of their book, "From Binge To Blackout: A Mother and Son Struggle with Teen Drinking," which was published this year by New American Library. The book, written from both of their perspectives, is a true story about Toren Volkmann's struggle with alcoholism and how it affected his family.

Their visit to Plum last week was sponsored by the high school's PTSA. They spoke to the school's freshmen and sophomores.

Chris Volkmann, 58, said 80 percent of teenagers start to drink before heading off to college.

"I think most parents are in denial that this stuff is going on," Chris Volkmann said. "They have no idea exactly how much alcohol their kids are consuming, so what we wanted to do is give two sides to a similar story and convey a message that was both understandable and easy to relate to. A lot of our message is about preparation and noticing potential drinking patterns."

The Volkmanns' message sparked interest among Plum students and staff.

"I think hearing both sides of the story helped us better understand how drinking affects everyone around you," said Stephanie Hajdinak, 17, a senior. "I left knowing more about teen alcoholism than I did going into it, and I think it left teens thinking more about their drinking decisions."

Plum High School Principal Pam Kinzler said substance abuse is an issue everywhere.

"It's foolish to think that drugs and alcohol aren't a part of our school and society," Kinzler said.

"There are two ways to combat this -- education and open dialogue with families. By having an assembly like this, it opens up the discussion channels and increases awareness."

The Volkmanns hope teenagers can relate to Toren Volkmann, who isn't that much older than they are.

"Kids like hearing from someone who is young," Toren Volkmann said.

College students can be particularly vulnerable, he said.

"There is so much pressure to drink not only from your friends, but to just fit in when you go off to college" Toren Volkmann said. "What we're trying to tell them is that you can still have fun and keep your friends, but there are better alternatives than waking up sick and hung over after a long night of drinking."

Toren Volkmann's alcohol problems started when he was a teen and escalated when he traveled to South America to do Peace Corps volunteer work when he was in his early 20s.

"I could never have just one drink, and I ended up blacking out and disappearing for days when I was in South America," Toren Volkmann said. "There a lot of times when I would go three or four weeks without drinking, but sure enough, I'd have a relapse and be back to where I started. I was enslaved to alcohol and began to shortchange myself."

Toren Volkmann eventually went through a rehabilitation program and is in his third year of sobriety.

He said he often is approached by students with questions after his speeches are over.

"It just happened after this assembly. A group of students came up to me, worried about some of their friends who drink heavily," Toren Volkmann said. "I told them to help their friends in whatever way they can, but they have to be able to make their own decisions."