Alcohol – Underage Drinking

Did You Know…Teens who start drinking before age 15 are more than six times as likely to develop alcohol problems than those who start at age 21. Research shows that young people’s brains keep developing well into their 20s. Alcohol can alter this development, potentially affecting both brain structure and function. This may cause cognitive or learning problems and/or make the brain more prone to alcohol dependence. This is especially a risk when people start drinking young and drink heavily.

Did You Know…Most teens who drink get their alcohol from “social” sources – parties, older friends and family, or by taking it from a home. In Cape May County, 56% of 11th graders surveyed reported that it is easy to obtain alcohol. 2015 Pride Survey

Did You Know…Teens drink less often than adults, but drink more per occasion. Drinking can impair their judgment and put them and others at risk of physical harm and dangerous behavior, including: academic failure, accidents, depression, sexual behavior, and aggressive or violent behavior.

What We Can Do …Monitor the alcohol supply in the home. Parents can reduce youth access to alcohol by keeping alcohol out of the home or making it inaccessible to their children.

What We Can Do …Talk early and often, in developmentally appropriate ways, with children and teens about your concerns—and theirs—regarding alcohol. Adolescents who know their parents’ opinions about youth drinking are more likely to fall in line with their expectations.

What We Can Do …Talk with other parents. Work with other parents to monitor where kids are gathering and what they are doing. Being involved in the lives of adolescents is key to keeping them safe.

What We Can Do …Adults can serve as positive role models in general; and if adults choose to drink, to do so responsibly. Be aware of the laws about providing alcohol to your own children; and never provide alcohol to someone else’s child.

What We Can Do …Encourage community members to talk about underage drinking and the steps to prevent it. Attend school and community presentations about underage drinking. Check out underage drinking websites such as the ones listed below.

Cape May County Family Crisis Intervention Services 

https://capemaycountynj.gov/675/Family-Crisis-Intervention-Services

Talk They Hear You Stop Alcohol Abuse

https://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/prevention.aspx

http://www.samhsa.gov/underagedrinking/

Too Smart To Start Time To Act
http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov

Stop Alcohol Abuse
http://www.samhsa.gov/underagedrinking/

Time to Act
https://drugfree.org/article/prepare-to-take-action/