“Youth enjoy celebrating this season with friends, however, it is also one of the most likely times for them to experiment with alcohol or other substances”, said Pamela Mautte, Director of VSAAC.
Student survey trend data consistently shows that drug and
alcohol use among students increases over the summer. While alcohol remains the
substance of choice for students in the Valley, marijuana and prescription
medication are also substances of concern. The survey also highlighted that
students who reported recent use (past 30 days) of alcohol reported about the
location of their use:
- 80% of recent drinkers report
having consumed alcohol at the homes of others in the past 30
days.
- 64% of recent drinkers report
having consumed alcohol at their home in the past 30 days.
- 65%
of recent drinkers report having consumed alcohol at a party without
an adult present in the past 30 days.
- Approximately 10% report having ridden as a passenger
with a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol while 2% report
having driven while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
themselves.
“We want young people and their parents to have wonderful
memories of their special occasions and enjoy the summertime and not have
memories of tragedy,” said Mautte.
What can you do?
Reinforce Expectations: Have clear rules and establish consequences for breaking
them. Be clear that drinking and drug use is unacceptable.
Encourage teens to make each moment count: Reinforce that one bad decision can
change their life forever.
Provide safe alternatives: Encourage teens to volunteer, work part time jobs, or find
activities that keep them engaged with safe and productive free time.
Set a good example: Secure alcohol, lock up medications and dispose of unused
medications.
Provide a safety plan: Discuss ways in which your teen can leave a party or
situation they are not comfortable with no questions asked. Utilize a code in
which they can call or text you and safely leave a situation.
Understand the CT Social Host Law: Connecticut’s “social hosting” law
prohibits anyone from permitting people under 21 to possess alcohol in any
residence or other private property. A first violation of this prohibition
constitutes an infraction resulting in a $146 fine, and each subsequent offense
mandates a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment up to one year.
To learn more visit www.vsaac.org, like us on
Facebook at www.Facebook.com/vsaac or follow us on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/vsaac.
VSAAC, a program of BHcare, is a public/private partnership
comprised of community leaders and citizens who develop and carry out
strategies to reduce alcohol, tobacco, drug use, suicide, risky behaviors, and
promote good mental health among youth and, over time, among adults through
community education, community mobilization, public awareness, and advocacy in
the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and surrounding communities. For
more information, visit www.VSAAC.org.
(This is a press release from BHCare)
No comments:
Post a Comment