By: Rose Rankin – YLC
Member
Alcohol and drug use by
young people is extremely dangerous--both to themselves and to society--and is
directly associated with traffic fatalities, violence, suicide, educational
failure, alcohol overdose, unsafe sex and other problem behaviors, even for
those who may never develop a dependence or addiction. Adolescence is a time of
heightened risk-taking and as alcohol and drugs enter the picture, parents are
faced with a unique set of challenges. They can simply sit back and hope their
kids will “get through it,” or they can take an active role in learning about
alcohol and drugs and helping their kids do the same.
It can be daunting to
talk with children about drinking and drug use, but it is well worth the effort
parents put into it. In fact, research has shown that kids who have
conversations with their parents and learn a lot about the dangers of alcohol
and drug use are 50% less likely to use these substances than those who don’t
have such conversations.
“Alcohol and drug use
is a very risky business for young people,” says Andrew Pucher, President, and
CEO of NCADD, “and parents can make a difference. The longer children delay
drinking and drug use, the less likely they are to develop any problems
associated with it. That’s why it is so important to help your child connect
the dots and make smart decisions about alcohol and drugs.”
An integral part of
Alcohol Awareness Month is Alcohol-Free Weekend, March 30-April 1, 2018, which
is designed to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may
be affecting individuals, families, and the community. During this
seventy-two-hour period, NCADD extends an open invitation to all Americans,
young and old, to participate in three alcohol-free days and to use this time
to contact local NCADD Affiliates and other alcoholism agencies to learn more
about alcoholism and its early symptoms.
Each April since 1987,
the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) has
sponsored Alcohol Awareness Month to increase public awareness and
understanding, reduce stigma and encourage local communities to focus on
alcoholism and alcohol-related issues.
The month of April will be filled with local, state, and national events
aimed at educating people about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism,
particularly among our youth, and the important role that parents can play in
giving kids a better understanding of the impact that alcohol can have on their
lives. The Van Buren Middle/High School Youth Leadership Council members will
be hosting a color run, doing activities during lunch, passing out buttons, and
hanging posters throughout the month of April to help their peers and community
members be aware of the dangers of underage drinking.
For more information on
Alcohol Awareness Month or how to talk with your children about alcohol,
tobacco, and other drugs please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-3334 ext.
1017 or check out the coalition website at www.vbsafecoalition.com.
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