Binge Drinking: How to Keep Your Teen Safe this 4th of July

4^th of July weekend can be a dangerous time for teens and young adults, not only does the amount of underage drinking increase but so does binge drinking (consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time). SAMSHA estimates that hospital ER visits during this holiday weekend double due to underage and binge drinking (87% higher than any other day in July).

It’s important that our teens and young adults who might be hitting the beach this weekend with friends or other parties, that drinking, especially binge drinking, is not a harmless right of passage. There are serious consequences to these actions that can result in harming oneself, someone else, even death.

Parents are the front-line of prevention when it comes to underage and binge drinking. There are actions that parents can take that can help steer their teens and young adults this weekend away from choices that involve drinking. SAMSHA research has shown 40% of teens have tried alcohol by the eighth grade, and the earlier a teen begins drinking the more at risk they are for substance abuse problems later in life, not to mention the more imminent dangers.

What can parents do?

1. Talk Early and Talk Often. Teens and young adults cite one of the main reasons they don’t drink is because of their parents. You are a huge force in their life. Talk to them early and often about drinking, the dangers, where you stand on the issue, and what the disciplinary consequences will be. Help your kid develop strategies to avoid alcohol and get out of pressuring situations. Try to talk with them, not just at them.
2. Be Involved. Most teens report getting alcohol from parents, whether the parents know about it or not. Be aware of what your kids are up to, who they are hanging out with, and where they are going. Get other parents, family members and friends on involved in setting a good example and helping to steer kids in the right direction.
3. Be a Role Model: It’s also important to set a good example of how you want them to act with you own behavior.
4. Ask for Help. If you think a problem already exists with your teen or young adult and drinking, reach out to a professional prior to big weekends like 4^th of July to help manage the situation. Don’t be afraid to tap in to all of the resources available to you.

And keep in mind that 4^th of July isn’t the only time during the summer that teens and young adults are tempted towards underage and binge drinking. Summers are often filled with too much free time and boredom that puts teens and young adults at risk. StopMedicineAbuse.org has some great suggestions for the summer to help prevent drinking such as summer internships and jobs, travel (especially as a family), and summer clubs or programs (like cooking or sports). All of these can help strengthen your teen or young adult’s defense against underage and binge drinking.