The teenage brain is still developing. The areas of the brain that encourage risk-taking develop early in a teen, while the areas that improve self-control don't develop until the later teens or early twenties. Alcohol use can cause serious damage to the still developing parts of the brain that control motor coordination, impulse control, memory, judgment, and decision-making capacity.  These impairments create a false sense of security and feelings of invincibility when teens engage in risky behaviors, such as drinking and/or drug use. Consider the facts: 

• Teens who drink are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors and physical violence.
• Teens who drink are 7.5 times more likely to use any illicit drug, more than 22 times more likely to use marijuana, and 50 times more likely to use cocaine.
• 40% of all alcohol-related fatalities are caused by teens drinking and driving.
• Teens who begin drinking at age 13 have a 45 percent chance of becoming alcohol dependent, while those who delay drinking until age 21 only have a 7 percent chance. 

For more information on this topic, please visit www.drugfree.org/TeenBrain/index.html

To be alcohol-free, a teen needs the active involvement and help of a parent.  Remember, you are the most important influence in your child's life.  Talk early and talk often to your kids about the risks of alcohol use and set clear rules and expectations. For more tips and helpful strategies, visit www.theantidrug.com. 

When an event involving teen alcohol use/abuse is reported in the news, take the opportunity to discuss it with your teen.  Empower your teen with the knowledge that it is OK to seek out help from a parent, another adult, or even to call 911 if they are ever in a situation they are not comfortable with or which could be potentially dangerous.  One phone call could save a life!

We encourage everyone to Take Time to Talk everyday.