|
STRONG PARENTS
STRONG YOUTH
The presentation at Barrington High School on April 26th was a huge success. Over 200 BHS parents attended and heard intriguing, factual presentations covering all aspects of underage drinking. Experts shared their research and experience on how underage drinking effects the developing brain, impacts teen stress and mental health issues, and legal ramifications of hosting parties. Local teens shared how underage drinking has impacted their life, from solidifying decisions to be alcohol and drug free, to dealing with family addictions. The presentation concluded with some parenting tips from a local parent and counselor, including "One of the greatesst assets you have is your relationship with other like-minded parents. Network whenever possible."
The BADPC is currently planning another speaker this school year, to continue this important conversation about the risks and dangers of underage drinking.
|
|
A Snapshot of Our Community.
The BADPC has released a report which assesses the status of the Barrington communities realting to underage drinking. The report includes:
- BHS Student Survey data on underage drinking.
- Environmental scan of alcohol retailers.
- Summary of parent focus groups.
- Information on local ordinances.
Click to View Full Report
|
|
Facts & Myths
You probably see and hear a lot about alcohol - from TV, movies, music, and your friends. But what are the real facts about undersage alcohol use? Here are some common myths, and sobering facts, about alcohol use.
| Myth |
Alcohol isn't as harmful as other drugs. |
|
Fact |
Alcohol increases your risk for many deadly diseases, such as cancer. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can kill you. |
|
Myth |
Drinking is a good way to loosen up at parties. |
| Fact |
Drinking is a dumb way to loosen up. It can make you act silly, say things you shouldn't say, and do things you wouldn't do (like get into fights or have sex). |
Myth |
Drinking will make me cool. |
| Fact |
There's nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out, or puking on yourself. Drinking alcohol also can cause bad breadth and weight gain. |
|
Myth |
All of the other kids drink alcohol. I need to drink to fit in. |
| Fact |
If you really want to fit in, stay sober. Most young people don't drink alcohol. Research shows that more than 70% of youth aged 12 to 20 haven't had a drink in the past month.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2006 National Survey on Drug Ue and Health |
|
Myth |
I can sober up quickly by taking a cold shower or drinking coffee. |
| Fact |
On average, it takes 2 to 3 hours for a single drink to leave the body. Nothing can speed up the process, including drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or "walking it off". |
|
Myth |
Adults drink, so kids should be able to drink too. |
| Fact |
A young person's brain and body are still growing. Drinking alcohol can cause learning problems or lead to aldult alcoholism. People who begin drinking by age 15 are five times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 20.
SAMHSA 2004 Report: Alcohol Dependence or Abuse and Age at First Use. |
|
Myth |
Beer and wine are safer thank liquor. |
| Fact |
Alcohol is alcohol...it can cause you problems no matter how you consume it. One 12-ounce bottle of beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine (about half a cup) has as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. Alcopops - sweet drinks laced with malt liquor - often contain more alcohol than beer! |
|
Myth |
I can drink alcohol and not have any problems. |
| Fact |
If you're under 21, drinking alcohol is a big problem: It's illegal. If caught, you may have to pay a fine, perform community service, or take alcohol awareness classes. Kids who drink also are more likely to get poor grades in school, and are at higher risk for being a crime victim. |
|
Myth |
Since teens are going to drink no matter what we say, we might as well have them drink at our homes where we can keep an eye on them and take the car keys away. |
| Fact |
This is not only a myth, but a very dangerous belief syste,. Taking care of the external physical environment does not make the internal environment safe for a vulnerable adolescent. Teens may be on medications, may come from a family with alcoholism history, there could be other behaviors that don't involve driving that could cause an alcohol related injury or death. Keeping an eye on a bunch of drunk kids is a daunting task. Besides, it's against the law and serving alcohol or other substances to teens, even in your own home, opens you to profound liability issues. |
|
Myth |
Teens need to practice drinking in high school so they learn their limits early and don't go wild in college. |
| Fact |
There is absolutely no evidence to support this theory. Heavy drinking in high school increases limits (tolerance) in a dangerous way and can prevent teens from developing the very skills necessary for an emotionally healthy adult life. Young people who are "prepared" for college life have mastered the crucial tasks of adolescence - they are able to deal with disappointment, boredom, joy, etc. They know how to regulate their moods and manage their feelings without alcohol or drugs. This is how they gain the maturity to drink alcohol safely. Studies have shown that most students who have drinking problems in college, brought a drinking problem with them from high school. Experts agree that binge drinking doesn't typically begin on college campuses, it's simply continued in a more reckless way. |
|
Myth |
In Europe, where there is no age restriction on alcohol use and consumption is common, there is less of a problem with teen drinking and binging. |
| Fact |
IN 2006, the European Union, concerned about teen drinking, commissioned a study on alcohol use. They found that the levels of alcohol use and binge drinking were significantly higher the US in every country except Turkey, which is primarily Muslim (and alcohol use is forbidden). Recent articles in international papers have underscored problems in England, Russia, and other countries as youth put themselves and others at risk due to the overuse of alcohol. |
|
|
|
