What We Know
- Alcohol is the most commonly misused substance among teens.
- Alcohol use permanently changes the teen brain by slowing down brain activity and development.
- Alcohol interferes with storing new information. Drinking alcohol after studying keeps information from being stored in long-term memory.
- Early alcohol use increases the chance of adult substance use disorder by as much as 40%. The more alcohol you drink and the earlier you begin drinking, the higher your cancer risk, too.
- Student athletes who drink have poorer sports performance which includes more injuries, slower reaction times and reduced endurance.
How We Can Help
- Talk to your youth often about your expectations for not using alcohol or other substances. Make sure they have the facts.
- Get to know the parents/guardians of your teen’s friends and work together to keep everyone safe.
- Be the safe gathering house for your youth and their friends where they can have substance-free fun. Be home, visible and available. Drop in with snacks and alcohol-free beverages several times throughout the gathering.
- Set a good example. Have family celebrations and gatherings that don’t emphasize alcohol. Remember that youth are learning from your example. You can check your alcohol use using this simple, anonymous online tool from the CDC.
- Give your teens a special code or phrase to call or text to you if they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation.
- Use tamper resistant tape to seal containers of alcohol in your home if you are concerned about your youth or their friends accessing alcohol in your home. Tamper resistant tape is available at no charge from Stoughton Wellness by completing the Request for Resources form.
The Stoughton Wellness Coalition is giving away refrigerator locks to anyone in the community who would like one. If you or someone you know has a beer or wine fridge, especially if it's in the garage or basement, contact us to get your free lock, and help to keep all our kids safe.
