Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Health Ministry

April 2005

Alcohol Awareness

"Parents Who Host, Lose the Most" is a collaborative effort in the community to alert parents to the dangers of hosting a party in which alcohol is involved, "Don't be a party to teenage drinking: It's against the law". An educational program created for parents and adults over the age of 21 focuses on the legal ramifications of providing alcohol to those under 21. A police resource line is available for adults seeking information on hosting an under 21 alcohol-free party - Call 301-670-SAFE.

Consider the following:

Underage persons who binge drink (consuming five drinks in a row on a single occasion) were 7 times more likely to report illicit drug use during the past month than underage persons who did not binge drink.

People who begin drinking by age of 15 are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until 21. Each additional year of delayed drinking onset reduces the probability of alcohol dependence by 14 %.

Studies reveal that alcohol consumption by adolescents results in brain damage.

The list of severe and tragic consequences is remarkable: fatal car crashes, rape, pregnancy, suicide, homicide, academic failure, vandalism, alcohol poisoning, & alcoholism.

What you can do:

Plan a party with your teen. Make a guest list and limit the number of attendees.

Personal invitations are best to avoid an "open party" situation. Do NOT email invitations because they can be forwarded.

Put your phone number on the invitation and welcome calls from parents. Invite other parents to help during the party and provide supervision.

Develop clear rules ahead of time: NO ALCOHOL, DRUGS or TOBACCO

Call other parents and inquire about their rules and encourage the same stand.

Be aware when your teen arrives home. Kissing your child goodnight is the best way to know if alcohol or tobacco was present.

Should the party become dangerous call 301-279-8000. Don't take a chance on your child or any other child being injured. Information for this article is excerpted from a brochure "Parents Who Host Lose The Most". These brochures will be available on the Health Ministry Bulletin Board. Please do your part to help us stop the unlawful and dangerous use of alcohol by our teens.

Return to Index of Health Ministry Articles