National Prevention Week incorporates daily themes to focus on substance abuse topics and today, we will be talking about preventing underage drinking and alcohol misuse. Did you know that 60% of individuals between the ages of 12-20 reported using alcohol in the past month were also binge alcohol users? Binge drinking equals 5 or more drinks on the same occasion for males and 4 or more drinking on the same occasion for females (SAMHSA 2019).
Parents and other supportive adults can help prevent children from drinking alcohol and avoid dangerous situations such as riding in a car driven by someone who has been drinking. We can cultivate relationships with our children and teens by having regular discussions about alcohol and its harmful effects on our bodies and brains. When we talk often with our kids, we are building an open, trusting relationship with each other and small frequent conversations it will make it easier to have more serious conversations about substance use as they grow older. For tips on how and when to begin conversations, visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.
