Alcohol Awareness Month takes place every April, it was developed in order to increase awareness and understanding of the causes and treatment of one of our nation’s top public health problems: alcoholism. It allows communities to focus on spreading awareness and reducing the stigma associated with alcohol addiction. Observance of this awareness campaign also highlights the need for education on the dangers of unsafe alcohol consumption.

As children mature, it is natural for them to assert their independence, seek new challenges, and engage in risky behavior. Underage drinking is one such behavior that attracts many adolescents. They may want to try alcohol but often do not fully recognize its effects on their health and behavior. Other reasons young people drink alcohol include:

· Peer pressure

· Increased independence, or the desire for it

· Stress

In addition, many youths have easy access to alcohol. In 2019, among 12- to 14-year-olds who reported that they drank alcohol in the past month, 96.5 percent reported that they got it for free the last time they drank. In many cases, adolescents have access to alcohol through family members or find it at home.

When people drink alcohol, they may temporarily feel elated and happy, but they should not be fooled. As blood alcohol level rises, the effects on the body—and the potential risks—multiply.

• Inhibitions and memory become affected, so people may say and do things that they will regret later and possibly not remember doing at all.
• Decision-making skills are affected, so people may be at greater risk for driving under the influence—and risking an alcohol-related traffic crash—or making unwise decisions about sex.
• Aggression can increase, potentially leading to everything from verbal abuse to physical fights.
• Coordination and physical control are also impacted. When drinking leads to loss of balance, slurred speech, and blurred vision, even normal activities can become more dangerous.

Some common myths—and sobering facts— about underage alcohol drinking:

Adolescence is a time of change and growth, including behavior changes. These changes usually are a normal part of growing up but sometimes can point to an alcohol problem. Parents, families, and caregivers should pay close attention to the following warning signs that may indicate underage drinking:

1.- Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and use or misuse of other drugs.

2.- Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. Young people are more likely to listen when they know you are on their side. Reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink or use other drugs—because you want your child to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you’re open and you show concern.

3.-Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. You want your child to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs with reliable information about its dangers. You don’t want your child to learn about alcohol and other drugs from unreliable sources. Establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information.

4.-Show you are paying attention and you will discourage risky behaviors. Show you are aware of what your child is up to, as young people are more likely to drink or use other drugs if they think no one will notice.

5.- Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Even if you don’t think your child wants to drink or try other drugs, peer pressure is a powerful thing. Having a plan to avoid alcohol and drug use can help children make better choices. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs.

safeschools@durantisd.org

The mission of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools program is to help ensure that children are mentally and physically ready to learn and have healthy and supportive families, and to promote a safe community by equipping individuals with skills, knowledge, standards, and resources to live healthy lives.