Alcohol: still number one

Despite on-going discussions about the increase in drug use among youths, alcohol continues to be the most abused drug for children and teenagers. And yes, alcohol is just as much a drug as are marijuana, cocaine and other narcotics. Although alcohol is a legal drug for adults, it is illegal for youths. Underage drinking remains the major drug issue of today, even considering the rise in narcotic addiction.

A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed some alarming statistics: 85% of Ohio students in grades 9-12 report having tried alcohol; 30% indicate they had their first drink before age 13; and in the 30 days prior to taking the survey, 56% said they had consumed alcohol, 37% stated they had consumed five or more drinks consecutively, and 5% said they had consumed alcohol on school property.

A serious consideration regarding underage alcohol use is that it increases the likelihood of other drug use. For example, youths who report even occasional drinking are ten times more likely to use another illegal drug. We also know that the younger people are when they first experiment with alcohol, the greater the risk of becoming addicted to alcohol or another drug. This is why it is so important for us to take seriously the dangers of underage alcohol consumption. It is not harmless; it is not just "kids being kids."

Another concern involves parents who allow their children to drink alcohol in the home, perhaps even hosting drinking parties. These parents rationalize this practice by saying they would rather have their kids drinking at home than in an unsafe environment, such as an automobile. This dangerous thinking, however, fails to consider that once illegal alcohol consumption is condoned?even in the home?it will likely progress to other locations, with other people, with serious consequences.

Some common warning signs of covert alcohol use include the odor of alcohol, sudden changes in mood or attitude, loss of interest in school, sports or other activities, discipline problems at school, change in friends, secrecy, and withdrawal from the family. These behaviors should be identified and discussed openly. Parents who talk frequently and consistently with their children create opportunities for helpful intervention.

If you learn that your child is drinking, you should take the situation seriously. Share the information concerning the risks with your child, especially if there is a family history of alcoholism. Also, be prepared to indicate what consequences will be encountered if the drinking continues. If there is an incident involving other children, be quick to inform their parents. Keeping secrets never works; withholding information denies other parents the opportunity to address their own child?s behavior.

Most importantly, be the best role model possible. Because youths are especially sensitive to contradictions in adults, if the parents themselves are abusing alcohol or other drugs, discussing the risks involved in using them will be meaningless. Also remember that a child experimenting with alcohol or drugs is not necessarily a sign of bad parenting. Experimentation often occurs regardless of the skill or devotion of the parents. Our goal as parents is to be aware, be prepared, and be ready to take appropriate action.