‘Tis the season for family gatherings and good cheer—and all too often adults caught up in the holiday spirit fail to recognize how their behavior impacts the young people around them.
In a recent survey, 65 percent of teen drinkers reported they obtained alcohol from family members or friends. In another study, nearly one in five adults said they believe it is acceptable for parents to provide alcohol to teenagers in their own home.
In that same study, 96 percent of parents found it unacceptable for another parent or adult to provide alcohol to their teenage children without their permission—they said if they found out about it, they would consider taking action against the other parent.
Alcohol is by far the biggest drug problem among Washington’s youth. It has taken more young lives than tobacco and illicit drugs combined. If you think this doesn’t apply to the young people in your life, you should know that, according to the results of the most recent Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, one in four 10th graders and one in three 12th graders has been drunk in the past 30 days
Because a teen’s brain is still developing, alcohol can cause long-term damage to memory and learning. In fact, kids who drink before age 15 are five times more likely to have alcohol problems when they’re adults.
Parents and other adults can get a start on their New Year’s resolutions by pledging to set a good example this holiday season.
Some good advice
• Talk to the young people in your life about all the risks involved with drinking: alcohol poisoning, unplanned and unwanted sexual activity, fights, injuries, car crashes and impaired brain development.
• Don’t ignore drunken behavior at your holiday gatherings—explain to the young people in attendance that alcohol can sometimes allow, even encourage, people to say and do things they wouldn’t otherwise say or do.
• Don’t let adults drive after drinking, and let the young people at your gathering hear you planning how to ensure it doesn’t happen
• Never give alcohol to those under 21, and make sure other adults don’t give it to the young people in your life.
• Set clear rules for youth about not drinking alcohol in your home– and enforce consequences for breaking them.
• Be a good role model – show kids you don’t need a drink to celebrate.
• Get help fast if you know a teen who is already drinking or dependent on alcohol. Call the Alcohol/Drug Helpline for free, confidential information and referrals: 1-800-562-1240.
• If you are a parent, remember you are the primary influence on your children. Get tips on talking to them about alcohol at www.StartTalkingNow.org.
The holidays should be a time for good times, good cheer and good memories. Give the young people in your life a holiday gift that will last a lifetime by setting a good example in your holiday celebrations.
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Roger Hoen is a board member of the Washington State Liquor Control Board. Michael Langer is acting office chief of program services for the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.
