Dear Readers,

April is a big “awareness” month. In this issue, we touch on the issues of autism and child abuse, both of which are highlighted by national organizations this month in order to bring awareness and education to the public. The goal of these campaigns is to prevent these problems and direct people to get the help they need.

Another important topic being addressed locally and nationally in April is alcohol abuse. The Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition has a poster campaign and is running announcements in local media to bring awareness to the problem of underage drinking in our communities. They also are developing in-school prevention programs and alcohol-free social activities for teens.

A local tragedy has brought this subject to the front of our collective mind. The recent death of a 17-year-old boy in Moundsville after he drank nearly a bottle of whiskey on a dare at a party has hit home with a lot of people and I’m sure has struck fear into many parents’ hearts. The couple at whose house the party took place have been charged with neglect because they allegedly knew of the party and did nothing to stop it.

Around the same time, police broke up a teen party in the Woodsdale neighborhood of Wheeling. Eleven people were arrested for underage drinking, including five under the age of 18. According to police, the homeowners were present during the party. No charges have been filed in that case. A call to the Ohio County Prosecutor to find out why was not returned by press time.

It is hoped these parties are isolated incidents, but I fear they are not. According to the West Virginia PRIDE survey, Ohio County rates second in the state for youth alcohol use. Thirty-four percent of Ohio County youth reported they see “some” or “no” harm in alcohol use; and, 67.3 percent say they have easy access to beer.
Underage drinking is not a crime to be taken lightly. Alcohol affects a teen’s developing brain. It seriously impairs judgment, often leading to teens taking risks they normally wouldn’t — such as having sex or attempting death-defying stunts.

What’s more, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that children who take their first drink before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol problems as adults. Sure, many teens and college students “grow out of” binging and boozing. But many do not, and end up ruining their lives and the lives of those they love because of their addictions.

From my perspective, alcohol abuse is an epidemic in the Ohio Valley. It has affected me and my family, and most likely it has affected you.

What can you do? The experts say start talking to your children as early as age 8, 9 or 10 about the dangers of alcohol. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, 10 percent of American 12-year-olds say they have used alcohol at least once.

Here are ways you can help protect your kids from drinking, provided by the federal “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” campaign:

- Don’t accept alcohol as a rite of passage to adulthood.
- Set clear rules about not drinking.
- Help your children learn to respond to peer pressure.
- Be a good role model by showing you don’t need a drink to relax or celebrate.
- Talk with your children often about ways alcohol can harm them.
- Be a good listener.
- Stay involved in their lives.
- Know who their friends are and where they are going.
- Get help fast if your teen is drinking or dependent on alcohol.

Resources for Parents

Hotline:
National Alcohol/Drug Helpline (confidential information and referrals), 800-562-1240.

Web sites:
Start Talking Before They Start Drinking, www.stopalcoholabuse.gov
Partnership for a Drug-Free America, www.drugfree.org

Local contacts:
Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Kristen Kroflich, 304-233-2045, ext. 319, or Deborah Allen, 304-243-0470

Books:
- “Preventing Addiction: What Parents Must Know to Immunize Their Kids Against Drug and Alcohol Addiction,” by John C. Fleming, CrossHouse Publishing, 2007
- “Raising Drug-Free Kids: 100 Tips for Parents,” by Aletha Solter, Lifelong Books, 2006
- “52 Ways to Protect Your Teen: Guiding Teens to Good Choices and Success,” by Susie Vanderlip, Legacy of Hope, 2005

Booklets:
“Keeping Youth Drug Free,” Center for Substance Abuse Prevention/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For free copies, call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, 800-729-6686 or visit www.samhsa.gov.