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.

Adolescence is a critical time for our youth as their brain is still developing - through the age of twenty-five.

Alcohol and drugs can interfere with the natural development of the brain.

Research indicates exposure to drugs of abuse in adolescence significantly increases youth vulnerability to drugs’ effects because of all the changes occurring in the brain (Nora D. Volkow, M.D., NIDA).

When children begin using alcohol or drugs before the age of fifteen, it increases their likelihood of alcohol or drug dependence into adulthood (NIDA).

While some parents and guardians may feel relieved that their teen is “only” drinking, it is important to remember that alcohol is a powerful, mood-altering drug. Not only does alcohol affect the mind and body in often unpredictable ways, but teens lack the judgment and coping skills to handle alcohol wisely. As a result:

· Alcohol and drug use is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car crashes, suicides, violence, and drowning.

· Even occasional alcohol use by a teen increases the risk for future alcohol and drug use.

· Substance use can affect growth and development. Teens who use alcohol and drugs may have trouble finding their identity, building relationships, and preparing for their future. Substance use can affect memory and learning.

· Substance use can lead to unprotected sex. This increases the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

· Tobacco use can cause cancer and heart and lung problems.

· Even casual use of certain drugs can cause severe health problems, such as an overdose or brain damage. Many illegal drugs are made in home labs, so they may contain bacteria and other unsafe substances.

Binge drinking is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women.

• Around 90% of underage drinking is binge drinking.
• Because most underage drinking is binge drinking, young people are more likely to experience alcohol poisoning.
• Youth don’t drink as often as adults do, but when they have access to alcohol, they usually drink more than an adult would.
• Binge drinking lowers inhibitions at a time when young people are already eager to take risks.

There’s no getting away from the fact that your children will see alcohol in the world around them. Even if you don’t drink yourself, they can see alcohol in shops, on social media, or on TV. In fact, research shows 10-15 year-olds are now more exposed to TV advertising for alcohol than their parents.

Make it a conversation rather than a lecture, and listen as much as you talk.

1. Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.

Over 80 percent of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and 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’re 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’re 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 their 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’re paying attention and you’ll discourage risky behaviors.

Show you’re 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. Do this in a subtle way, without prying.

5. Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage 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, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they’ll say “no thanks.”

While parent–child conversations about not drinking are essential, talking isn’t enough—you also need to take concrete action to help your child resist alcohol. Research strongly shows that active, supportive involvement by parents and guardians can help teens avoid underage drinking and prevent later alcohol misuse.

Monitor Alcohol Use in Your Home. If you keep alcohol in your home, keep track of the supply.

Connect With Other Parents. Getting to know other parents and guardians can help you keep closer tabs on your child. Friendly relations can make it easier for you to call the parent of a teen who is having a party to be sure that a responsible adult will be present and that alcohol will not be available.

Keep Track of Your Child’s Activities. Be aware of your teen’s plans and whereabouts. Generally, your child will be more open to your supervision if he or she feels you are keeping tabs because you care, not because you distrust him or her.

Develop Family Rules About Youthful Drinking. When parents establish clear “no alcohol” rules and expectations, their children are less likely to begin drinking.

Set a Good Example. Parents and guardians are important role models for their children—even children who are fast becoming teenagers. Studies indicate that if a parent uses alcohol, his or her children are more likely to drink as well.

Help Your Child Build Healthy Friendships. If your child’s friends use alcohol, your child is more likely to drink too. So it makes sense to try to encourage your young teen to develop friendships with kids who do not drink and who are otherwise healthy influences on your child.

Encourage Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol. One reason kids drink is to beat boredom. So it makes sense to encourage your child to participate in supervised after-school and weekend activities that are challenging and fun.

https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you

SAMHSA’s national substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action.

safeschools@durantisd.org 580-924-1276

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