Alcohol: #1 Substance of Choice for Teens

In the 2004 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, high school and middle school students were asked various questions related to alcohol and other drug use. County-wide, 1 in 2 seniors, 1 in 3 sophomores, and 1 in 7 8th graders reported that they had drunk alcohol at least once in the past 30 days. This equates to about 1/3 of our youth are reporting regular alcohol use. Luckily, 2/3 of students aren't using regularly. Alcohol definitively is the substance of choice by our islands' youth, corresponding to national youth preference for alcohol.

Parents and peers have a large impact on youth decisions to drink, which is also influenced by American culture, i.e. going to social parties/gatherings, fundraisers or other events with the promotion of alcohol. About 2/3 of adults will have had a drink of alcohol this year. Interestingly, San Juan County has the highest rate per capita in the state for businesses with liquor licenses, which also equivocates to an increased availability and use of alcohol.

The media, which helps to create an environment that promotes underage drinking, also impacts drinking decision-making. The alcohol industry alone spent $5.37 billion on advertising in 2003. Alcohol companies spend 27 times more on product ads than on "responsibility" ads ("responsibility" ads have a clear message warning against driving after drinking, encouraging use of a designated driver, advising viewers to drink responsibly, or informing them about the legal drinking age of 21). Between 2001 and 2003, the alcohol industry spent about $92 million on "responsibility" ads. (The Center of Alcohol Marketing and Youth, August, 2005)

Teens use alcohol more frequently and heavily than all other illicit drugs combined. As a result of alcohol use: Alcohol-related traffic crashes are a major cause of death among teens. Alcohol use is also linked with youthful deaths by drowning, suicide and homicide.

Teens who use alcohol are more likely to become sexually active at earlier ages, to have sexual intercourse more often, and to have unprotected sex than teens who do not drink.

In addition, young people who drink are more likely than others to be victims of violent crime, including rape, aggravated assault and robbery.

Further, teens who drink are more likely to have problems with school work and school conduct.

Likewise, an individual who begins drinking as a young teen is four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than someone who waits until adulthood to use alcohol.

The good news is teens whose parents talk with them about the effects of drugs/alcohol are two times less likely to use drugs and/or alcohol than those whose parents don't talk with them. Unfortunately, only 1 in 4 parents talk with their children about this topic.

Another piece of the puzzle relates to the legal ramifications of use. If you are charged with Minor in Possession (MIP) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), consequences vary depending on the circumstances. Generally, first time offenses result in diversion: fine, community service hours and enrollment in alcohol information school, as well as driving privileges being delayed. Second and third offenses typically result in evaluation for substance abuse services, community service hours, periodic urinalysis tests, curfew restrictions and driving privilege delays, with harsher amounts of time for third offenses.

What about if you're an adult (21 or older) who contributes to a minor (under 21) by buying or serving them alcohol or other drugs? This is a gross misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Actual penalties vary depending on circumstances, as well as first, second, third time offense, etc.

For more information, contact Susie Teague at 378-9683 or e-mail at smteag@centurytel.net.

The Parents' Corner

Parents and community members are invited to submit questions about parenting on an anonymous basis to The Islands' Weekly. How to support the best in your child, make things go more smoothly, or deal with a troublesome behavior are all examples of topics. Each month a contributor to the monthly Prevention Column will select a question that can be addressed in a short paragraph. Write to P.O. Box 39, Lopez WA 98261 or e-mail csmith@islandsweekly.net.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.