According to an article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, deaths associated with underage alcohol consumption reach over 4,000 every year in the United States. Data from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey shows past 30-day use of alcohol is higher than any other substance. This has negative consequences for not only the youth, but also their families, friends, and the general public. Some of these consequences include violence, car crashes, suicides, injuries, alcohol poisoning, jail time, and monetary cost.
According to an article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, deaths associated with underage alcohol consumption reach over 4,000 every year in the United States. Data from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey shows past 30-day use of alcohol is higher than any other substance. This has negative consequences for not only the youth, but also their families, friends, and the general public. Some of these consequences include violence, car crashes, suicides, injuries, alcohol poisoning, jail time, and monetary cost.
The Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment (OPNA) data shows, that in Okmulgee County, 36.5% of high school seniors, and almost 20% of all youth surveyed, have drunk alcohol in the past 30-days. Of those seniors who reported drinking in the last 30-days, 20.4% have binge drank in the last two weeks. This survey considers binge drinking 5 or more drinks at one time. Fourteen percent of students report they have been drunk or high at school, and the majority of students who report drinking alcohol obtained it from their homes or a friend’s home.
As a parent, caregiver, or mentor, there are things you can do to help decrease alcohol use among youth. One of these steps is discussing alcohol and other substance abuse openly and honestly with youth. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Talk, They Hear You campaign, parents and caregivers play a big role in influencing youth’s feelings and actions about underage drinking and other substance abuse issues. They state there should be 5 goals when discussing substance abuse with youth:
1.) Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.
2.) Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
3.) Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs.
4.) Show you’re paying attention and you’ll discourage risky behaviors.
5.) Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking and drug use.
Having clear goals when talking to youth about substance abuse can help parents and caregivers feel more comfortable about addressing the issues. You should also know the facts or where to find them when answering tough questions. Parents and caregivers can get these facts, tips, talking points, and other information at http://samhsa.gov/talk-theyhear-you.
