Alcohol at Home, Drugs at School
What Parents Can Do
by Mike Struna
November 22, 2005
The American Medical Association (AMA) released the results of two nationwide polls revealing how easily and often underage youth obtain alcohol. The poll of teen's aged 13 to 18 found that nearly 50% reported having obtained alcohol at some point. Two out of three teens said they could get alcohol from their homes without their parents knowledge. One-third said it was easy to obtain alcohol from their parents knowingly, which increases to 40% when it is from a friend's parent. One in four teens have attended a party where minors were drinking in front of parents. Additionally, in all age groups, girls nearly always ranked higher than boys did in obtaining alcohol.
According to the Tenth Annual Back-To-School survey conducted by CASA, 62% of high school students and 28% of middle school students attend schools where drugs are used, kept and sold. The percentages rose from 44% of high school students and 19% of middle school students in 2002. The survey also found that perceptions of parental disapproval and harm of health are more powerful in deterring smoking, drinking, and drug use than are legal restrictions.
Youth access to alcohol and drugs is a serious problem. The consequences are unhealthy, unsafe and even life threatening. Poor academic performance, injuries, assaults, teen pregnancy, addiction and death are all associated with underage alcohol and drug use. Youth are at a reduced risk for alcohol and drug problems when they have a parent or significant adult who supports positive choices and is actively involved.
