Prevent Underage Drinking

Congratulations for starting the conversation. It is not easy to talk to our children about the hazards of drinking especially when drinking is ubiquitous in our culture. The prevalence of problematic alcohol use continues to escalate from adolescence into young adulthood. Research indicates that brain development continues into early adulthood and alcohol consumption can interfere with such development, “underscoring concerns that alcohol use by youth is an even greater pediatric health concern than previously thought.” Talk to your children about the dangers of underage drinking. The best way to prevent underage drinking is to start talking with your child about it, early and often.

Whether you’re a parent, relative, or mentor to a child, there are going to be times when you need help discussing issues both big and small. That’s why we’ve created this Talk Kit. With ideas on how to start talking, scripts on what to say, and tips for answering tough questions, this kit can help you keep the child in your life healthy and drug-free.

It takes practice but here is a simple rule: Stick to facts; Use age appropriate vocabulary, but stick to medically accurate terms; Speak honestly, but spare children the gory details; Don’t shy away from conversations, but don’t force them either. Want to know more?

They say that “the only thing permanent in life is change,” and that may very well be true. But just because change is natural, that doesn’t make it any easier – especially for teens. Studies show that adolescents who haven’t tried drugs or alcohol are more likely to start during times of transition in order to cope with stress. But don’t worry – while change is a part of life, risky behavior, like drug and alcohol use, doesn’t have to be. This guide has everything you need to know to help keep your child healthy – and even happy! – during transition periods.

You are NOT alone! Join the Kinship Community for support and information.

Excessive drinking includes: Binge drinking: For women, binge drinking is 4 or more drinks consumed on one occasion (one occasion = 2-3 hours). For men, binge drinking is 5 or more drinks consumed on one occasion. Underage drinking: Any alcohol use by those under age 21. Heavy drinking: For women, heavy drinking is 8 drinks or more per week. For men, heavy drinking is 15 drinks or more per week.

Alcohol-related deaths have doubled in the US and women are at an increased risk, study says CDC Binge Drinking Report

The number of Americans who have died from alcohol-related problems annually more than doubled between 1999 and 2017, a new study found, and that’s likely an undercount, the researchers said.