 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Keep It Out Of Their HandsÉ
Teenagers and alcohol donŐt mix well. Alcohol kills more kids than all illegal drugs combined. Alcohol is the drug of choice among teens, and too many begin too young and consume far more than is healthy for their developing bodies and brains.
*A few facts about underage use of alcohol:
á 29% of parents and teens know of parents who host teen alcohol parties
á 25% of teens attended a party where alcohol was served to underage youth in the past two months, while parents thought the number was closer to 15%
á 12% of the youth maintained that they drank alcohol at the party
á 68% of parents and 61% of teens believe that it is generally easy for underage youth to obtain alcohol
á Alcohol dependence rates are highest among 18-20 year olds
á Starting alcohol use at a young age is extremely dangerous:
o 10% of 12-year-olds have used alcohol
o By age 13 that number doubles
Teens who drink in their early teens are 5x more likely to become dependent than those who start at 21. The single biggest predictor of teens using illicit drugs is early use of alcohol.
The Drug-Free Action Alliance has provided helpful tips parents can use to address various scenarios involving their teens and alcohol. Topics covered include what to do if your teen is giving a party, attending a party, or if youŐre going to be away from home/out of town.
For additional information on how you as a parent/caregiver can keep alcohol and other drugs out of the hands of your children visit É
http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov
* Drug-Free Action Alliance Evaluation Report, January 2007.