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Broadcaster's son shares tale of alcohol abuse to keep kids drug-free

By Staff Writer

Many individuals who become addicted to alcohol not only do harm to themselves, but their loved ones as well. Shawn Karsten, 25, is one individual who has first-hand experience living with an alcoholic and found himself going down the same road.

Karsten is the son of Emmy award-winning ESPN broadcaster, Adrian Karsten, according to the Fond du Lac Reporter. Although his father was respected in his field, his alcoholism was not a secret to his family or the public.

In response to his father's addiction, Karsten began drinking himself when he entered college. His father eventually committed suicide, which prompted Karsten to begin abusing substances even more. After completing a school-related public speaking assignment that required him to share a sad story, Karsten was ready to face his alcoholism and relationship with his father.

Karsten, who has sobered up, now spends his time speaking to children about the dangers of alcohol. Experts agree that mentoring and additional education can prevent kids from turning to substance abuse.

The 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed that 42 percent of high school students had consumed alcohol within a 30-day span, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug rehab programs can help kids who have begun using illicit substances.

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