Did You Know?

Teens who begin using alcohol before age 15, are 3.5 times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder.

 

What can you do?

Talk to your child about the real costs of alcohol. Start talking to your kids early and often. Look for opportunities to discuss the harms of alcohol use and be aware of drinking trends among youth. When young people drink, they drink a lot at one time. On average, young people have about 5 drinks on a single occasion. This is binge drinking, a very dangerous way of drinking that can lead to serious problems and even death.

 

Be the positive influence

Parents are the leading influence on their kids’ decision to drink or not to drink. Set a positive example by modeling responsible drinking at home or in public. If you do keep alcohol in your home, keep it in a secure location where children cannot access it.

 

Get the facts about alcohol

Underage drinking negatively impacts the developing brain. Be aware of risky trends and know the signs to look for if you suspect your child may be drinking alcohol.  The use of alcohol during adolescence can alter brain development, potentially resulting in long-lasting changes in brain structure and function. Underage alcohol use can cause damage to the areas of the brain that control memory, emotional regulation, learning, and decision making.

 

Source: https://talknowaz.com/alcohol/