April is Alcohol Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol use and misuse. It offers a timely reminder that it is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs. Fact is that children as young as 9-years-old may already view alcohol in a positive way. The older kids get, the more likely they are to drink. About 10% OF 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol; by age 15, that number increases to 50%. By the time they are seniors in high school, almost 70% will have tried alcohol (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA).
Parents and caregivers have a significant influence on their children's decisions to experiment with alcohol and other drugs - it begins by talking. Regular open conversations make it easier to transition to more serious conversations when needed. Take advantage of everyday opportunities to connect, like talking in the car, during dinner, or while watching TV and playing games. Be sure not to do all the talking, give your child the opportunity to ask questions and listen to what they say. Whether or not your child has tried alcohol or drinks regularly, knowing the facts can help them avoid succumbing to peer pressure since they will feel more confident making informed decisions after considering all the facts.
The Good News is that Most Polk Teens Do Not Drink - while research shows that underage drinking rates are declining. It is still important for teens to know how alcohol affects their health, how to identify signs of a problem, and where to get help. According to statistics collected among 6-12 grade students in Polk County annually, 90% DO NOT USE ALCOHOL (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, FYSAS 2024). Share this with your teen because when they realize that they are among the majority that do make healthy choices, they may feel empowered to avoid peer pressure and refrain from partaking in risky behaviors, such as drinking.
Free Educational Programs Available - InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are committed to educating youth and adults about the dangers of alcohol and substance use. Support local prevention efforts by inviting a representative from InnerAct Alliance to share a free educational program with your school, PTA, community organization, church, or business. Call 802-0777 and visit: https://www.inneractalliance.org/
More helpful resources for parents/caregivers are a click away:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA)
https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/alcohol?
Partnership to End Addiction
https://drugfree.org/article/why-teens-drink-and-experiment-with-drugs/
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/
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