Underage Drinking Prevention Day Shows Need For Substance Abuse Treatment
Posted by Vista Bay Rehab on May 21st, 2012 in Blog
This year on May 21st was the national Underage Drinking Prevention Day. Underage drinking has been a major problem across America with climbing statistics and much cause for concern amongst various prevention and rehabilitation groups. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 42% of those under the age of 21 had used alcohol. What’s worse is that 24% of drinkers engaged in binge drinking, 10% of them drove while under the influence and 28% got into a vehicle with someone who had been drinking.
Right now 15% of youth in 8th grade and 44% of seniors in high school used alcohol in the last month. Often parent will pass off underage drinking to excuses like, “they’re just experimenting,” or “it’s normal for teenagers to drink.”
With the current drug alcohol epidemic amongst teens and young adults with alcohol, prescription drug use and stimulants, underage drinking is not something that can just be ignored. Further statistics indicate that those who drink before they turn 15 are 5 times likelier to develop an alcohol abuse problem. There are also studies and testimonials from those in substance abuse treatment that indicate that underage drinking makes one more likely to use drugs and become addicted to them.
There are certain things that parents need to do that they are reminded of on Underage Drinking Prevention Day to keep their kids safe from an abuse problem:
1. Keep all alcohol locked up and out of the hands of adolescents and teens.
2. Never provided alcohol to those underage or allow anyone under 21 to use alcohol in your presence.
3. Speak honestly and openly with your teens about alcohol use and the consequences of underage drinking.
4. If drinking starts to be a problem don’t let it go and address it immediately.
5. If you suspect that your child has an alcohol (or drug) problem get them immediate substance abuse treatment help.
Through prevention, education, parenting and rehabilitation underage drinking can be minimized and handled across the country.
To help someone with an alcohol problem through substance abuse treatment contact Vista Bay today.
