ALCOHOL AWARENESS

Our Role in Underage Drinking

By Ralph Provenza

Is underage drinking a problem here in Bennington?

According to recent data - yes. Compared to the rest of the United States, Vermont has some of the highest underage drinking, and youth binge drinking rates in the country. The Bennington drinking rates are no different.

At United Counseling Service we're seeing more and more youth come through our doors for treatment for alcohol use and dependence. Over our now 50 years of service to the community, the average are of clients who seek substance abuse treatment has dropped from those in their mid-forties to those in their early twenties.

Since the average age local youth begin to drink is now around 13 years old, it's not surprising that problems are surfacing in ever younger individuals.

Youth who drink before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who don't begin drinking until age 21. Early alcohol use is especially detrimental to the development of the brain which continues to develop until age 25.

To raise awareness about alcohol use and underage drinking several local organizations, led by the Southshire Substance Abuse Coalition, are conducting activities and holding events during April, which is Alcohol Awareness Month. The goal is to raise alcohol awareness not only among youth but also among their parents and guardians.

Contrary to what our teenagers may be saying, research shows that parents have the greatest influence on preventing underage drinking. When parents set clear, consistent and appropriate underage drinking guidelines, they greatly reduce underage drinking. It's important that parents talk to their children about the dangers of alcohol before their children are exposed to it, and throughout their teenage years.

Parents also play a crucial role in limiting access to alcohol. According to the 2007 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey, young people typically don't get alcohol from the local store. Our children are getting alcohol from our homes, friends, and family members.

We know that "do as I say, not as I do" does not work. As parents, we need to ensure our own alcohol use reflects healthy and responsible choices.

As the month of April comes and goes please take some time to increase your own knowledge about alcohol and underage drinking. Talk to your family members about responsible alcohol use, and clarify your expectations about underage drinking. Consider getting involved in community prevention efforts if you can.

We do have the power to curb local underage drinking in the community and to help ensure our youth become responsible adults free of addictions.

Of course, we at UCS have skilled and highly trained counselors available to provide substance abuse treatment to those in need. By focusing on prevention and increasing community awareness about alcohol and underage drinking we can greatly decrease the number of youth who have to walk through our door. It's a worthy and achievable goal.