Fun in the Sun!

ORANGE COUNTY, CA – The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence - Orange County (NCADD-OC) is encouraging parents to be more aware of the summer activities that their kids will begin to partake in as the school season wraps up.

“As kids are getting out of school and having more free time, it’s important to be mindful of the different fun in the sun activities that they involve themselves in,” said Gwen Drenick, Director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Orange County. “Many of the summer festivities tend to include a lot of drinking alcohol, which can have a detrimental effect for our youth.”

Studies show that alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Orange County. Each year, thousands of preventable alcohol related accidents happen in the community. Drinking among youth is very dangerous and can lead to passing out, drunk driving or alcohol poisoning.

According to the 2013/2014 California Healthy Kids Survey in Orange County, 29% of females in the 11th grade reported drinking one full alcoholic beverage within the last 30 days. While the same survey yielded 27% of males in the 11th grade having one full alcoholic beverage within the last 30 days.

NCADD-OC wants parents and adults to be good role models when it comes to alcohol. This summer try to plan activities that do not center on alcohol. Ensure a safe summer by:

• Not supporting teen drinking
• Connecting with parents in the community to check that your child is attending a safe event
• Buying other drinks such as coffee, water, and juices
• Talking to teens about the dangers of underage drinking
• Supporting alcohol awareness via social media
• Encouraging teens to go try something new, such as dance classes or hiking
• Setting a good example and be a role model for teens
• Providing alcohol free activities such as a movie or board game night

For more information on NCADD-OC and to find additional resources, visit: http://www.ncaddoc.org/.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence - Orange County

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence - Orange County (NCADD-OC) and the Underage Drinking Prevention Project (UDP) are helping to create a safer community for youth in Orange County.