301-334-7777

Underage Drinking Prevention

Alcohol is the most widely misused substance among America’s youth. Consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21, also known as underage drinking, remains a considerable public health challenge. Youth alcohol use is not an acceptable rite of passage, but a serious threat to adolescent development and health. Medical research shows that the developing adolescent brain may be particularly susceptible to long-term negative consequences of alcohol use.

More than 90% of alcohol that is consumed by underage drinkers is consumed in the form of binge drinking. On average, underage drinkers consume more drinks per drinking occasion than adult drinkers.

According to the 2014 MD Youth Risk Behavior Survey, in Garrett County, 41% of high school youth drank alcohol in the past 30 days and 26.9% of them reported binge drinking (5 or more drinks in a row on one occasion). While Garrett County’s underage drinking trend has been slowly decreasing since 2004, it is still significantly higher than the State rate of 26.1%. Also of concern is the number of high school youth that reported riding with someone who had been drinking alcohol – 25.8% or 1 in 4.

The Risks:

  • Yearly, 188,000 kids under age21 go to the ER with alcohol-related problems.
  • Teen alcohol use causes death from poisoning, burns, falls, drowning, and suicide.
  • Teen drinkers are twice as likely to have sex as nondrinkers. Adolescents who drink are also more likely to engage in risky sex, like having sex with someone they don’t know or failing to use birth control.
  • Teens that drink are more likely to get into a car with a driver who has been drinking. They are also more likely to smoke pot, use inhalants, and carry a weapon. Binge drinking substantially increases the likelihood of each of these activities.

What You Can Do to Help:

  1. Communicate Early and Often with Children

Young people are more likely to avoid drinking when they have a strong, trusting relationship with their parents or another trusted adult. Get into the habit of chatting with your child every day. It will make it easier to have serious conversations about things like alcohol, and will make your child more comfortable coming to you for advice. Try using everyday opportunities to talk—in the car, during dinner, or while watching TV. Having lots of little talks takes the pressure off trying to get all of the information out in one lengthy discussion, and your child will be less likely to tune you out. When you do talk about alcohol, make your views and rules clear. Take the time to discuss your beliefs and opinions about alcohol with your child. Be honest and express a clear, consistent message that underage drinking is unacceptable.

What you do is just as important as what you say. In addition to talking often with your child about alcohol, it’s important to set a good example. If you choose to drink, you can positively influence your child by drinking in moderation and NEVER driving when you have been drinking. Be aware of where you keep your alcohol, and always remind your child that the alcohol in your house is off-limits.

  1. Reduce Easy Access to Alcohol

The majority of teens that drink get it from friends or family members, at parties, or by taking it without permission.  One method to reduce this access is to closely monitor where your teen goes, who he or she goes with, and the time that he or she will be gone. Communicate with the parents of your teen’s friends to confirm when your child will be at their house or with their child. Be clear with other parents about your rules and expectations for your child regarding underage drinking. Finally, closely monitor alcohol in your own home. If in doubt about the security of your alcohol, keep it locked up.

  1. Know the Laws in Maryland (https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/APIS_State_Profile.html?state=MD)
  • Underage Possession/Consumption of Alcohol – Possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21 years is prohibited except in a private residence and with parent/guardian consent.
  • Furnishing Alcohol to Minors – Prohibits adults from providing alcohol to an individual under age 21 except by a parent or guardian in a private residence.
  • Underage Purchase of Alcohol – Prohibits anyone under age 21 from purchasing or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages.
  • False Identification for Obtaining Alcohol – Prohibits the use of false identification by a minor to obtain alcohol.
  • Use/Lose Driving Privileges – As a penalty for underage purchase, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages by a minor aged 18 or younger, the minor’s driver’s license can be suspended or revoked.
  • Hosting Underage Drinking Parties (Social Host) – Imposes liability against individuals (social hosts) responsible for underage drinking events on property they own, lease, or otherwise control.

Helpful Resources: