Underage Drinking Prevention
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)
Have a Conversation about Alcohol
There is never a better time to talk then now. Starting a conversation or knowing what to say can be difficult, check out the following websites for tips and information.
- A Guide to Action for Families: To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking a call to Action from the Surgeon General.
- A Parent's Guide to the Teenage Brian explains typical teen behavior and the science behind it, and gives tips about what you can do.
- Parents: Help Your Teens Party Right at Graduation a fact sheet by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
- Parent Tips from the Drug-Free Action Alliance and Parents Who Host Lose the Most.
Prevention Resources
- Local Data: Underage and Under the Influence
- Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (MCRUD)
- My Reality Check
- Stop Underage Drinking A portal of Federal resources
- Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment
- Talking to Kids About tough Issues
- Time to Talk for the Partnership for a Drug-free America
- Underage Drinking Prevention Coalition development
- We Don't Serve Teens
Get involved in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties
Find out more about the Dexter & Pinckney Coalitions to Reduce Underage Drinking (DPCRUD)
The DPCRUD website has information about how and why the coalitions were formed, how to get involved in this or other coalitions and the current planning and activities that are taking place.
Join the Email List
Email Amanda Nauge (nauglea@ewashtenaw.org) to join! Stay informed about coalition activities, upcoming events, receive resources and materials to help reduce underage drinking.
Webpage Shortcut: www.ewashtenaw.org/stopunderagedrinking
Last Updated 10/28/08
