Kids and Alcohol

Alcohol is the most popular drug used by U.S. teens. The statistics are shocking: more than four million teens use alcohol in any given month, alcohol-related car crashes are the leading cause of death among teens, and kids often begin drinking alcohol around age 11-13. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in 1993 67% of 8th graders had tried alcohol.

Why is using and abusing alcohol so popular among teenagers? First, it's easy to get. Most of us have some alcohol in our homes right now. And, in a survey, two-thirds of teens who drink alcohol said they could buy it, even though it's illegal to sell alcohol to minors.

Second, alcohol use is more tolerated in our society than using other drugs. Alcohol is seen as less dangerous, even though it can affect judgment, slow down reaction time, and cause birth defects in a pregnant teen's unborn child. And alcohol overdose can kill.

Kids may see their parents and other adults using alcohol, and they may get pro-alcohol messages from movies and advertising, too. Then there's the effect of peer pressure. In a survey, 66% of teens cited peer pressure as a reason for drinking and using other drugs.

Last, alcohol does, of course, have a real effect - drinking alcohol can relax a person and give a feeling of confidence. In fact, 79% of teen surveyed said they drink or use drugs because it feels good.

What can a parent do to prevent teenage alcohol use? Experts say: be informed, set a good example, set limits and rules and enforce them, too. And communicate - explain your views and ask your kids what they think.

I found lots of information and advice available online through the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

Another great source of info for parent and teens is the MADD Web site. MADD campaigns against drunk driving and educates the public about alcohol use. Their site contains articles, a searchable calendar of events, and much, much more. An excellent article titled A Parent's Guide on Teenagers & Drinking offers advice for preventing or dealing with alcohol use by teens. MADD is also developing an interactive CD-ROM for use by familes with teens near driving age. Look at Parenting & "The Key" for more information.

The American Acadamy of Pediatrics celebrates Child Health Month in October. This year the focus is on preventing alcohol use by teens. Take a look at their Child Health Month section to see articles and resource info.

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