The holidays are a busy time as we gather with family and friends. Many of the holiday festivities encourage alcohol use and possibly drunk driving.
Underage drinking is a persistent problem that merits our attention especially during this holiday season. Most teens who drink get their alcohol from “social” sources—older friends and family, or by taking it from a home without permission. The key to reducing teen drinking problems is reducing teens’ easy access to alcohol. Parents need to keep track of alcohol at home and speak up when underage drinking is discussed.
Be frank and tell other parents that you don’t want them serving alcohol to your teen or condoning teen drinking. And talk to adults who host teen parties. Let them know that it is not OK to serve alcohol to someone else’s kid.
Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) coalition believes it is vital to protect our most precious national commodity by reducing easy access to alcohol. Please don’t serve alcohol to teens, and ask others not to either.
HCI would like to remind all people—DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE--and to wish everyone a safe, sober and happy holiday season. HCI is a substance abuse prevention coalition serving Burt, Cuming, Stanton, and Madison Counties. For more information about HCI go to www.elvphd.org or call 402-529-2233.