Journal: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

Use this when someone says: "Kids are going to drink no matter what we do." (False: this study is full of actions you can take. Here is a scripted response to help you out.)

This study found: This large-scale, long-term study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has consistently shown that parental involvement, particularly when parents set clear rules and expectations, significantly reduces the likelihood of underage drinking. Teens who report having parents who communicate openly and monitor their activities are less likely to engage in alcohol use.. By setting boundaries and delaying alcohol use, you're helping your child develop healthy decision-making skills and reducing their risk of developing alcohol-related problems later in life. You can still make a big difference, even when it seems like others aren't following the same path.

https://monitoringthefuture.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/mtf2022.pdf

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Use this when someone says: “I mean they’re in high school, I think they’re old enough.” (False: we know that the earlier kids start drinking the higher their risk of Substance Use Disorder. You can see an awesome chart on our Mission page.

This study found: Starting to drink before age 14 significantly increases the risk of developing alcohol dependence later in life. Encourage your teens to wait as long as possible to begin drinking, as this can help reduce their chances of experiencing alcohol-related problems. Your influence can make a difference in their choices!

Hingson RW, Heeren T, Winter MR. Age at drinking onset and alcohol dependence: age at onset, duration, and severity. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006 Jul;160(7):739-46. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.160.7.739. PMID: 16818840.

Journal of Substance Abuse

Use this when someone says: “I don’t want to be the strict parent — they’ll just rebel!” or “I’d rather they drink at home where I can keep an eye on them.” (Both false. Check out our scripts for help sharing this information with other parents.

This study found that teens who are allowed to drink alcohol under adult supervision at home are more likely to engage in harmful drinking behaviors, including drinking outside the home and binge drinking, which can increase the risk of drunk driving.

The research, led by Barbara J. McMorris from the University of Minnesota, compared teens in the U.S. and Australia. It showed that, despite the intention of parents to teach responsible drinking, early exposure to alcohol in a home environment could lead to more drinking-related problems later on, including risky behaviors like drunk driving.

McMorris BJ, Catalano RF, Kim MJ, Toumbourou JW, Hemphill SA. Influence of family factors and supervised alcohol use on adolescent alcohol use and harms: similarities between youth in different alcohol policy contexts. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2011 May;72(3):418-28. doi: 10.15288/jsad.2011.72.418. PMID: 21513678; PMCID: PMC3084357.

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Use this when someone says: “I drank when I was their age and I turned out fine.”

This study found: Today’s teens are at greater risk for substance use issues due to rising mental health challenges. Anxiety, depression, and stress are increasingly common among adolescents, and these mental health issues are strongly linked to substance use as a way of coping. Studies indicate that teens facing mental health struggles are more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol, and may be at greater risk for addiction later on. Addressing both mental health and substance use prevention together is key for supporting teens today.

NIDA. Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness. National Institute on Drug Abuse website. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness. September 27, 2022 Accessed September 25, 2024.

Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

Use this when someone says: “I don’t want to be the strict parent—they’ll just rebel!” (False: just check out what this study has to say!)

This study found: The research shows that family structure and how parents socialize their kids play a big role in whether teens develop issues with alcohol, drugs, or other risky behaviors. Specifically, when parents offer support, set clear rules, and have clear attitudes about drinking, teens are less likely to engage in these behaviors. On the other hand, when there’s a conflict between how parents and their teens’ peers view alcohol, it can lead to more problems. So, consistent guidance at home really makes a difference.

McMorris BJ, Catalano RF, Kim MJ, Toumbourou JW, Hemphill SA. Influence of family factors and supervised alcohol use on adolescent alcohol use and harms: similarities between youth in different alcohol policy contexts. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2011 May;72(3):418-28. doi: 10.15288/jsad.2011.72.418. PMID: 21513678; PMCID: PMC3084357.

SAMHSA

Use this when someone says: “Kids are going to drink no matter what we do!” (Wrong. Kids respond well when we share our values about these things.)

What this study found: SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that when teens perceive strong parental disapproval of alcohol use, they are much less likely to drink. The 2019 survey showed that adolescents who believed their parents would be very upset if they used alcohol were less likely to engage in drinking behavior, compared to those who didn’t think their parents cared as much. Parents do make a difference.

SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2021 and 2022.