Did you know that older teens are less likely to drive impaired as young adults when they know their parents disapprove of underage drinking? In a recent study by the Yale Developmental Neurocognitive Driving Simulation Research Center in New Haven, Connecticut, parents’ disapproval of their kids drinking alcohol could reduce their teen’s future risk of impaired driving. According to HealthDay’s article, “if teens in the 12th grade knew that their parents disapproved of drinking, it lowered the chances of their driving while impaired by 30% four year later, and riding with an impaired driver by 20% one year later. It also lowered later odds of blackout by 20%.” According to Dr. Federico Vaca:
“There is great prevention power in intentional parenting, and a strong, reliable, mutual relationship here can make all the difference in the world, including helping to identify the development of youth alcohol/drug use disorder and the need for specialized treatment services for addiction.”
For the full article, visit https://consumer.healthday.com/public-health-information-30/drunk-driving-and-riding-health-news-219/what-parents-can-do-to-prevent-teens-from-driving-drunk-753870.html.
To learn more on how to talk with your child about the dangers of underage drinking, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking.
For 24/7 free and confidential information and treatment referrals, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator at findtreatment.samhsa.gov.
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