Underage Drinking Prevention

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Local Coalitions to Reduce Underage Drinking & Drug Use

• Ann Arbor Campus Community Coalition
• Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking
• Pinckney Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking & Drug Use
• Parents and Communities Together- Saline
• SRSLY (Chelsea program)
• Washtenaw Alcohol Reduction Project (WARP): Includes the communities of Chelsea, Dexter, and Manchester

Why focus on alcohol?

We know more today about how alcohol impacts the developing brain and the real consequences of underage drinking. Alcohol kills more youth in this country than all other illegal drugs combined. Only one-third of these deaths are related to vehicle crashes.  The other two-thirds involve alcohol poisoning, homicides, suicides, and unintentional injuries such as burns, drowning, and falls. Drinking alcohol before the age of 21 also places youth at higher risk for academic failure and dropping out of school; depression; sexual assault, rape, and other violence; teen pregnancy; and sexually transmitted infections and diseases. In addition, underage drinking is linked to other drug abuse, including marijuana, tobacco, and prescription pills. (source: www.21reasons.org)

Why focus on environment?

Research shows that in order to reduce underage drinking, we must change the community environment that's making it happen in the first place. It's not enough to target youth with messages and programs. In order to make a difference, we also need to change the behavior and attitudes of adults, because they are the ones who control the supply. (Source: www.21reasons.org)