From coast to coast it seems as though alcohol testing bracelets are the newest fad on the red carpet.

With the media focused on recent celebrity drug scandals and fans glued to the breaking news, the gossip hype begs the question, are these cries for help? And is the government just turning away?

Recently, Atlanta Falcons' quarterback, Michael Vick was indicted on charges related to the alleged operation of dog fighting at his residence.

"Once you make the money that [Vick] is making and are held in such a high role-model position, you need to give up certain things," said Andre Isla, junior, Bellport, N.Y.

"And the fact that he was killing and fighting dogs is a bad decision on its own, but the real problem is how he couldn't make the decision to get away from the bad influences that have stayed around him," said Isla.

According to ESPN's, "Sportscenter", Vick has pleaded guilty to these charges, inducing a 12-18 month stint in a correctional facility. This, on top of the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons suggesting an indefinite leave of absence.

Across the nation, gossip headlines have been full of DUI arrests accompanied by minimal charges. Hollywood's favorite party girls, Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, and Nicole Richie have all faced negative media attention.

According to an article published by ABCNEWS, the "Simple Life" star was arrested under the suspicion of driving under the influence in 2006 after calls had been placed to 9-1-1 that there was someone driving the wrong way on the freeway.

The newly pregnant star was sentenced to a mere four days in prison. However, as the ABCNEWS article states, Richie was released after just six hours due to "overcrowding." She will face three years of probation, and serve three more days after the birth of her child.

"I think jail has become a trend lately. Celebrities are being convicted and used as examples, but are getting special treatment with little time spent in jail and then are being let out early anyway, said Sophia Braun, junior, Staten Island, N.Y.

The ABCNEWS article also highlights that these were second offenses for both Richie and Lohan.

While heiress Paris Hilton ended up serving her time for a drunken driving-related arrest, many believe she received special treatment when she initially was released after just four days.

"The government really isn't proving anything, because in the end, celebrities will always find ways around the law," said Braun.

The State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicle's Web site states that under Connecticut's Implied Consent Law, "any person who operates a motor vehicle is presumed to have given his or her consent to a test to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

"You are legally intoxicated if your BAC is .08 or above. If you are under 21 years of age, you are legally intoxicated at a .02 BAC or higher."

The site enforces the states' message that driving under the influence will not be tolerated in Connecticut, by any means.

"I think celebrities are going wild. It's about time the law was enforced upon celebrities and they are being treated the same as any other person. If a celebrity does something wrong they should have the same consequences as everyone else," said Mikara Cimmino, senior, Longmeadow, Mass.