Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and a day of remembrance for the blessings we have experienced this past year. It is a time for family, faith, friends, fun and yes, for food and plenty of it. Unfortunately, according to the National Center on Addictions and Substance Abuse, more young people drink on the day before Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year.
As adults are in a rush to usher in the holiday season they often overlook the fact that their homes are stocked with an assortment of alcohol for the holidays. And as older friends and siblings come from college for Thanksgiving and want to “party” with their friends it is also a dangerous time for our youth.
CCAAD urges parents and adults to help their teens have a safe, alcohol free holiday season. We encourage parents to talk to young adults and underage teens about the risks involved in providing alcohol to anyone under 21.
Help our teens have a safe, alcohol free holiday season by:
*Offering to host non-alcohol and drug-free gatherings
*Monitoring or locking alcohol in the home.
*Calling ahead when your teen is going to a party and asking who will be supervising and if alcohol will be served. If you are hosting the party welcome calls from other parents to discuss the event.
*Talking to your child about not using alcohol and how underage use can affect their health, future plans, relationships and safety.
*Making it very clear you do not want your child to drink alcohol and share what the consequences will be if your child does use alcohol.
*Talking and listening to your teen regularly.
*Spending time with your child getting to know your child’s friends and their parents.
Let’s celebrate a responsible and enjoyable Thanksgiving and holiday season! If you know of an underage drinking party, contact Local Law Enforcement .
