April is Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month—an excellent time to discuss the dangers of underage drinking with our teens.

Teens’ brains are still developing. Therefore, the risks associated with drinking are elevated, and their chances of becoming addicted are greater. “90% of Americans who meet the clinical criteria for addiction started using substances before the age of 18.”i

It’s imperative we discuss the dangers of drinking alcohol and model healthy decision-making skills. (Click here to watch a video showing alcohol’s effects on various areas of the brain.)

Before we delve into the negative consequences of alcohol, let’s explore reasons teens drink. After all, by the time a student is in middle or high school, they’ve heard about the adverse effects of drinking and know it’s illegal. Yet, in 2023, according to The Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 22% of high school students reported that they had drunk alcohol in the previous 30 days.ii The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states, “Underage drinking is a serious public health problem in the United States. Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s youth and can cause them enormous health and safety risks.”iii

Why Do Teens Drink?

  • They observe adults drinking alcohol. So, it stands to reason they would be curious and want to see why it appeals to their parents or other adults they’re around.
  • Drinking is promoted through media (social media, billboards, advertisements, movies, music, etc.). We often hear, “I need a drink,” or “I deserve a drink.” These types of comments suggest that alcohol is a relaxation aid after stressful days and a fitting way to celebrate successes. · They succumb to peer pressure. Their friends talk them into it, or they voluntarily join their peers to gain acceptance.
  • Alcohol is easily accessible. Many adults stock it in their homes. In 2023, among adolescents aged 15 to 17 who reported drinking alcohol the previous month, 84.3% reported getting it for free the last time they drank.iv
  • They like the feeling alcohol provides. Unfortunately, many don’t understand the ramifications of drinking at an early age or that they will need to increase their intake to achieve the same effects.

Understanding these motives helps us come alongside our children and support them better.

What Can Parents Do?

  • Drink responsibly or choose not to drink at all.
  • Keep alcohol out of your children’s reach. (i.e. Lock it in a cabinet or store it in your bedroom closet.)
  • Model a healthy lifestyle by eating properly, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
  • Encourage your children to engage in healthy activities, ones that do not involve alcohol.
  • Talk with your children about the dangers:
    – As mentioned above, alcohol interferes with brain development.
    – Alcohol is a depressant and “blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters a person’s perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing.”v
    – Drinking impairs judgment and causes injuries and deaths.
    – It increases the chances of physical and sexual assault and leads to other problems, such as the use of other substances.
    – Drinking before the brain is fully developed increases the risk of alcohol problems later in life.vi

Be Their Safe Space

In addition, remind your child often that you love them unconditionally, you want them to live a long, healthy life, and you are there for them no matter what. Because of this, they can contact you at any time, day or night, if they find themselves in a place where they need help. Whether they’ve been drinking, or their ride has been, let them know they can call you for assistance. That you will pick them up without questioning their behavior. Of course, you may discuss the situation the next day and choose to update house rules or guidelines accordingly.

Communicate

Most importantly, keep talking. Cultivate a relationship with your child that encourages discussions about problems or issues that arise in their lives. Listen. Empathize. And offer guidance without judgment. You’ve got this!

i https://drugfree.org/reports/adolescent-substance-use-americas-1-public-health-problem/
ii https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/dstr/index.html
iii https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking#underagedrinking
iv https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking#underagedrinking
v https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/alcohol.html
vi https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking#underagedrinking

We can’t do it alone!

Help us make sure that our youth are properly equipped to make healthy choices NOW so that they can go on to lead happy, successful lives later. Let’s change the face of the community today!

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