Parents Make A Difference!
While alcohol continues to be the most widely used drug by youth in the U. S., you can make a difference! Research shows that teens say parents/caregivers are the most important influence on their decisions about drinking alcohol.
Help them by participating in:
Help them by participating in:
"Talk-Monitor-Secure-Support"
TALK..... to your teen about the dangers of underage drinking.
- Short and long term consequences of drinking alcohol
- Impact of alcohol on brain development. The brain is not fully developed until a person is in their mid 20's. Alcohol can alter brain function long term.
MONITOR..... your teen's activities and the alcohol in your home.
- Know where your teen is and who their friends are
- Keep track of the alcohol supply in your home
SECURE..... alcohol in locked cabinets or containers.
- Lock alcohol in cabinets and other storage areas that are not accessible to your teen
- Set a rule that alcohol in the refrigerator is off limits
SUPPORT..... your teen's health and safety, build trust and reinforce positive behavior.
- Listen without judgement
- Acknowledge positive behavior and achievements
- Help them learn refusal skills- ways to say "No."
RESOURCES
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)- "Talk. They Hear You." Campaign
https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)- "The Power of Parents"- https://www.madd.org/the-solution/power-of-parents/
Hidden in Plain Sight- Interactive experience of a typical teen's bedroom to educate parents/caregivers to recognize signs of alcohol or drug use. https://bvpc-hips.com/
