Parents, you are the biggest influence.

 

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by teens. The dangers are real, ranging from lower academic performance to alcohol poisoning and even fatality. The developing teenage brain is especially vulnerable to issues stemming from alcohol use since the brain is still developing into the mid-twenties. Research shows that 65% of teens say that they receive their alcohol from family and friends. As a community, we have a responsibility as parents and neighbors to eliminate underage drinking.

 

Prevent underage drinking at home by:

  • Hosting only alcohol-free parties for them.
  • Not allowing your child(ren), younger family members or their friends to possess or consume alcohol on your property.
  • Preventing your child(ren) or younger family members from attending unsupervised parties where alcohol may be available.
  • Talking to your child(ren) about the dangers of underage drinking, and communicating a strong disapproval message.

For more tips and resources, check out our blogs.

Why We Care
Alcohol kills more people under 21 each year than all illicit drugs combined.
Consequences of underage drinking:

Crimes and Incarcerations

Addiction and Dependency

Higher risk of cancer, liver damage, and brain damage.

Academic failure and lower graduation rate

Higher risk of STD's, assault, and pregnancy

Crimes and Incarcerations

Addiction and Dependency

Higher risk of cancer, liver damage, and brain damage.

Academic failure and lower graduation rate

Higher risk of STD's, assault, and pregnancy

Crimes and Incarcerations

Addiction and Dependency

Higher risk of cancer, liver damage, and brain damage.

Academic failure and lower graduation rate

Higher risk of STD's, assault, and pregnancy

Local Statistics in East Texas:

Average age of first use is 13

65% of minors get alcohol from adult relatives

43% of East Texas students say that alcohol would be easy to get.

1 in 5 students report using alcohol within the past 30 days

70 percent of 12th graders report previously using alcohol

Average age of first use is 13

65% of minors get alcohol from adult relatives

43% of East Texas students say that alcohol would be easy to get.

1 in 5 students report using alcohol within the past 30 days

70 percent of 12th graders report previously using alcohol

Average age of first use is 13

65% of minors get alcohol from adult relatives

43% of East Texas students say that alcohol would be easy to get.

1 in 5 students report using alcohol within the past 30 days

70 percent of 12th graders report previously using alcohol

Blogs
Here are some resources that can help you start the conversation.

Underage Drinking Myth, Debunked

Most teens don’t drink regularly. Why do so many East Texans believe the myth that they do? One of the ...
Read More
3 Tips for Preventing Underage Drinking During the Super Bowl

3 Tips for Preventing Underage Drinking During the Super Bowl

Nearly synonymous with the words Super Bowl is alcohol. From watch parties to highly anticipated commercials, it’s everywhere. Most parents ...
Read More

7 consequences of underage drinking

A survey by Caron Treatment Centers reveals that 41% percent believe it’s best for teenagers to learn to “drink responsibly” ...
Read More

Back to school: 5 trends to know about alcohol and drugs

As you get ready for back to school, remember that with a new year comes new chances for your child ...
Read More

6 steps to prevent underage drinking this summer

Summer is a time for kids to experience freedom from school and spend time with friends and family. However, extra ...
Read More

5 myths parents believe about underage drinking

The legal drinking age of 21 doesn’t stop all parents from allowing underage drinking in their homes. In our prevention ...
Read More

9 Warning Signs of Teen Substance Abuse

The consequences of youth substance abuse are serious, resulting in brain development problems, car accidents, risky sexual behavior, school dropouts ...
Read More

5 tips for talking to kids about drugs and alcohol

Many parents wait until their children are in high school to talk about drugs and alcohol and that can be ...
Read More

Social Hosting – What It Is and Why Adults Shouldn’t Do It

Social hosting refers to parents who knowingly provide alcohol to minors that are not their children or allow alcohol to ...
Read More
Don't Provide ETX - Text Campaign