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Encouraging Heroes. You can be one too.

I received a disturbing note recently. Here is an excerpt:

While summer is winding down, there are still plenty of opportunities for celebration and social gatherings: kids going off to college, Labor Day celebrations and summer BBQs while the weather is still nice. Typically alcohol is present at these events; summer is not only a common time for binge drinking, but for underage drinking as well.

Caron Treatment Centers, a nonprofit provider of drug and alcohol addiction treatment, recently revealed survey results on underage drinking peaking in the summer. The trouble is, many adults hold conflicting opinions when it comes to teenage drinking, which may convey that other illegal behavior (e.g. prescription drug use) will be tolerated. Caron’s survey found that:

  • 63% of respondents expressed concern about the availability of alcohol to teenagers
  • A surprising 41% believed it’s best for teenagers to learn to ‘drink responsibly’ in high-school rather than waiting until they’re of legal age
  • 29% of respondents agreed it was fine for high-school students to drink as long as they don’t drive

I understand where people think that allowing alcohol at younger ages would help teens to learn to drink responsibly. Teaching kids when they’re young often makes sense. However. Our brains are still developing during the teen years and into the early twenties. Isn’t it better to protect them as long as possible?

Caron_Underage_Drinking_Infographic

To learn more about teens and substance abuse, please visit: http://www.caron.org.