Clint Eastwood Youth Program - CEYP Newsletter

Issue 06: Kids and alchohol — a dangerous combination

issue06.pdf

What’s the Big Deal With Underage Drinking? Statistics regarding underage drinking are alarming and the consequences are often tragic. Alcohol use can lead to injury, unplanned sexual activity, criminal activity, victimization, drowning, and auto accidents. Alcohol is often a major factor in students dropping out of school, unplanned pregnancies, and traffic fatalities.

What Messages do Children Get About Alcohol Use?

Parents, parental figures, and other adults are often a major influence on the attitudes and behavior of children. Research shows children consistently rank this influence as a primary factor in their decision to use or not use alcohol.

There are numerous media warnings about alcohol. But despite these messages, adolescents often get “indirect approval” to use alcohol. There is a belief that drinking is a “rite of passage” or that it is something kids are going to do no matter what. Many people believe alcohol is the “ lesser of two evils” between alcohol and drugs. Television, movies, magazines, peers, social acceptance, and even parental behavior often make alcohol use appear positive, accepted, and fun.

But Kids Can’t Buy Alcohol.

Despite the fact that it is illegal for anyone under 21 years of age to buy alcohol, kids get alcohol. Many teenagers are given alcohol by their parents or other family members; others take alcohol from the liquor cabinet at home. Alcohol is frequently available through friends, other families, or at parties. Some stores will sell alcohol directly to teens without checking or questioning IDs. The average age that boys first try alcohol is age 11; for girls, it’s 13. Many children try or use alcohol even younger. Studies show that by the time adolescents are high school seniors, 80% have used alcohol and 65% have gotten drunk.

What Can I Do?

• Talk to your child/ren.
  Clearly state that you don’t believe alcohol is for adolescents, that is, anyone under 21 years old. Let them hear that drinking can lead to serious, even fatal consequences.
• Provide information.
  • Alcohol is a depressant. It affects every organ, especially the brain.
  • Alcohol, even one or two drinks, affects motor control, coordination, judgment, and reaction time. This can lead to impaired decision making, accidents, and other negative consequences.
  • Studies link the early use of alcohol (and other drug use), use in the teen years to an increase in the development of psychiatric disorders, especially depression, in early adulthood.
• Be aware.
  Adolescents are very influenced by their peers and their desire to “fit in.” Teach assertiveness and self-reliance to help them resist peer pressure.
• Model healthy behavior.
  Children imitate and are influenced by adult behaviors. Set the example. Don’t use alcohol. Don’t give alcohol or positive messages about alcohol to adolescents and children. Don’t drink in risky situations — driving, pregnancy, etc.
• Respond.
  If you see signs of alcohol use or behavior changes in your child, seek help! Treatment is most effective when started early.