Community Impact Team Offers Information on Underage Drinking

Many parents wrestle with the issue of underage drinking. Ideally, no parent wants their teen to drink or use drugs, but some parents are tempted to accept teen drinking as a harmless rite of passage. However studies from multiple national agencies such as the National Institute on Drug Addition, CDC, and the National Institutes on Health show that biologically and socially, it is unhealthy and unsafe behavior. So how can you protect your child from harm?

The North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition would like to offer some tips:

• There is no “safe” level of alcohol or drug use when it comes to teenagers. To keep your kids safe, adopt a “no use” policy.
• Make sure your kids know they are not allowed to drink at other people’s homes as well. Communicate your expectations to other parents who will be supervising your child.
• As parents or caregivers, present a united front, especially when it comes to issues regarding your teen’s safety and protection. Be aware of your language about alcohol and other drugs.
• Don’t send mixed messages by trying to “bargain” with your teen about drinking and other risky behaviors. Trying to limit use to home sends mixed messages.
• Forget about being the “cool” parent. According to studies, parents who are permissive or have a casual attitude about youth drinking also have kids who are more likely to use substances.
• Remember that accepting underage alcohol use as a norm is a choice. It doesn’t have to be the rule. As the parent, you get to set the rules.
• Be prepared and consistent. Consider ahead of time some natural consequences you can and are prepared to enforce if your underage child uses alcohol. Enforcing that consequence consistently is among the best things you can do to prevent repeat use.
• Consider contacting the parents of your child’s closest friends to come to an agreement about what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. Perhaps you all consider a common consequence that you can individually enforce within your families.
• If you are struggling with how to say no to your child who wants to attend or host a party with alcohol, consider explaining Social Host Liability and/or North Reading’s Social Host by-law. Liability laws hold party hosts financially responsible if injury or damage occur, while the by-law can lead to a fine for hosting a party where minors consume alcohol (even if no damage or injury occur).
• Discuss with your student the academic consequences of underage drinking which can include suspension.

Many families feel that simply taking the keys of drivers is a sufficient protection and prevention measure. However, there are many other possible consequences that taking keys do not address. Alcohol poisoning, loss of bodily functions, memory loss, and potential assault all increase with alcohol use. In addition, underage alcohol use increases the chances of a person trying another substance. In January, 2018, the Center on Addiction updated parents, informing them that alcohol, in fact, is a “gateway drug” along with other substances. They noted, “…the important thing to note is that every drug is a gateway drug if used during adolescence or young adulthood while brain development is still underway” (www.centeronaddiction.org, 2018). Taking keys does not prevent youth leaving the property and engaging in other high-risk behavior.

Your words and actions DO matter and you are among the most influential people in your child’s life. Remember, silence isn’t golden, it’s permission. Have a talk with your kids today. Send this simple yet powerful message: underage drinking and drug use are unhealthy, unsafe, and unacceptable.

If you have any concerns about your child’s substance abuse, consider speaking to their Guidance Counselor or pediatrician. Also, did you know that North Reading has a licensed Mental Health/Substance Abuse Clinician on staff? You can contact Laura Miranda at lmiranda@nrpd.org or at (978)357-5038. For more information on the CIT Coalition, visit www.northreadingma.gov/CIT.