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SIX IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT TEENS, ALCOHOL, AND DRUGS
- Nearly a third of high school students say they binge drink at least once a month, according to a report that says underage drinkers now account for 25% of the alcohol consumed in this country. (http://www.usatoday.com)
- There is a startling correlation between alcohol use and underachieving academically (http://hubpages.com)
 - Teens who feel that they are not connected to or valued by their parents are at greater risk for alcohol and drug use. Teens with poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety also are at increased risk. (http://health.yahoo.com/)
- Adolescent alcohol users -- regardless of whether they are heavy, binge, or light drinkers -- report they are more likely to use illicit drugs than non-drinkers. Adolescents who were current heavy drinkers were 16 times more likely than non-drinkers to have used an illicit drug in the past month. Light drinkers were eight times more likely to have used an illicit drug in the past month than non-drinking adolescents. (http://alcoholism.about.com/)
- About 75% of high school students have tried alcohol. More alarming, about 28% of teens have had a recent episode of heavy drinking (more than 5 drinks within a couple of hours). The leading cause of death for teens and young adults is auto accidents related to alcohol. Drinking also lowers inhibitions, which can lead teens to have unprotected sex, increasing the chance of pregnancy and infection with sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes, chlamydia, and HIV.
- About 40% of teens have tried marijuana one or more times. About 22% of teens currently use marijuana. Teen use is troubling because marijuana can hinder memory, problem-solving, and learning. It can also cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression. (http://www.webmd.com/)
For further information:
Where can a parent go for help?
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)
Phone: 1-800-NCA-CALL (1-800-622-2255)
(212) 269-7797
Web Address: http://www.ncadd.org
NCADD provides facts and scientific information about alcohol and drugs and related health issues, with specific resources for parents and youth. The organization also has a national intervention network and provides information about treatment programs and prevention.
- Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters
Phone: 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666) for meeting information
(757) 563-1600
Web Address: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
Al-Anon is a support group and self-help program for family members and friends of people with alcohol and drug use problems. The program is based on the same principles as AA. Phone numbers for local offices are listed in area telephone books.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services, Inc.
Phone: (212) 870-3400
Web Address: http://www.aa.org/
AA is a support group and self-help program for recovery from alcohol use problems as well as other substance abuse problems. Meetings are available in most communities at various times. Meetings can be "open" (for the person and his or her family) or "closed" (for the person only). Special groups for women, teens, and gay/lesbian people may be available in some areas. AA provides written information on the program of recovery. Phone numbers for local offices are listed in local area phone books.
- National Association for Children of Alcoholics
Phone: 1-888-55-4COAS (1-888-554-2627)
(301) 468-0985
Web Address: http://www.nacoa.org/
This national nonprofit organization works on behalf of children of alcoholics. The mission of the organization is to raise public awareness, provide leadership in public policy, and inform and educate academic and other community systems. The organization provides videos, posters, comic books, and guides for teachers and other professionals who work with children.
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