Spotlight on Preventing Underage Drinking & Alcohol Misuse
May 9-May 15 is National Prevention Week and today's spotlight is on preventing underage drinking.
THE FACTS: Alcohol is the most widely used substance among youth, often beginning at an early age. In 2019, almost 2.3 million 12-17-year-olds used alcohol for the first time, which is equivalent to about 6,200 youth per day. Early initiation of alcohol use is associated with heavy alcohol use, substance use, and alcohol dependence later in life. Alcohol plays a factor in the death of about 4,300 people under the age of 21 each year, reducing their lives by 60 years!
GOOD NEWS: Underage drinking, binge drinking, and heavy alcohol use among our youth have declined...PREVENTION WORKS! Parents, it's so important to talk to your child about drinking.
RESOURCES: The SAMHSA campaign "Talk. They Hear You" offers some great factual information to start the conversation with your child and continue talking to help prevent underage drinking and alcohol misuse. Click here:
SOCIAL MEDIA: Participate in this year's challenge by sharing where you are preventing substance misuse and suicide. Take a selfie and share on social media #PreventionHappensHere
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