The Rye Youth Council - Fostering Healthy Development in our Youth

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Arm Yourself with Facts About Teenage Drinking

Teenage drinking is arguably one of the most damaging behaviors affecting American students today. As a responsible, caring parent, you want your children to make responsible choices regarding alcohol use that are consistent with your beliefs and values. But it’s not a simple issue. Parental attitudes about teenage drinking vary greatly – and in the midst of these issues, your children see and hear numerous confusing messages about alcohol use, from their peers, the media, other parents, etc.

It is important to understand teenagers’ experience and perceptions about alcohol to better form a discussion with your children. There may be a perception that “everyone is doing it” (so the adolescent thinks so should I)—but in reality, most middle school students do not drink. This is important for parents to convey to kids. In high school, of course, the statistics go up significantly, but still the majority of students do not have a drinking problem. However, your child is most certainly going to be confronted with alcohol use - at parties, friend’s houses, and even adult social events.

Communicate with your children about drinking. You may feel that your child is too young, or wouldn’t drink, but you don’t know what they have seen or heard. Some children do start drinking as young as 13, and many high school students are binge drinking at parties. The effects can be devastating*:

* People who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until age 21. Each additional year of delayed drinking onset reduces the probability of alcohol dependence by 14 percent.

* Adolescents who drink heavily assume the same long-term health risks as adults who drink heavily. This means they are at increased risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, hemorrhagic stroke, and certain forms of cancer.

* Adolescents who use alcohol are more likely to become sexually active, which places them at greater risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

* One study showed that students diagnosed with alcohol abuse were four times more likely to experience major depression than those without an alcohol problem.

* Alcohol use among adolescents has been associated with considering planning, attempting, and completing suicide.

Role play with them how to handle drinking situations, let them know your feelings and expectations. Even if they don’t respond, or even get angry, they heard you and that is what matters. Remember, you are still the primary influence in your children’s lives and you can make a difference.

The following websites provide you with valuable information:

* Information provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration