It’s the Season for Holiday Parties...not for Underage Drinking!

It’s holiday time with families and friends gathering together to share delicious food, desserts, and toast in the New Year. Unfortunately for many people, alcohol consumption has become synonymous with holiday celebration – teens included.


Following the lead of influential adults, many young people are tempted, or even encouraged to celebrate with alcoholic drinks. According to “Students Against Drunk Driving” (SADD), a longstanding myth is that allowing teens to drink at home will make it less likely that they will drink elsewhere. In truth, more than half of high school teens who report their parents allow them to drink at home, even just to celebrate a special occasion, say they also drink with their friends. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows has shown that fifty-two percent of 15-year-olds say they either drink at home or at a friend’s house. However, only 31 percent of parents of 15/16-year-olds believe their child had a drink in the past year.

InnerAct Alliance and StandUP Polk, our partners in the Coalition for a Drug Free Polk, would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday, along with a reminder that it’s more important than ever to remain involved and communicate with your teen about the dangerous risk of alcohol and drugs use. Remember YOU are still the number one influence in your children’s lives. Let them know that even though adults may be drinking alcohol at holiday parties, under no circumstances are they allowed to drink. If your child is going to a holiday event, call ahead to make sure that the event will be alcohol and drug free. Keep the holiday season merry and bright by giving your children the gift of positive influence and communication!