01 Jul 3 ways to prevent underage drinking on July 4th
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports hospital emergency visits dealing with drinking are high during the Fourth of July holiday, doubling when it comes to underage drinking.
A 2014 study by SAMHSA showed the number of underage drinking-related visits to the emergency room was 87 percent higher during the Fourth of July weekend than any other day in July.
To ensure a safe holiday, here are three ways you can prevent underage drinking on July 4th.
- Don’t allow underage kids to drink alcohol
This seems like an obvious one, but don’t provide alcohol to minors and make sure they aren’t getting alcohol from friends or other family members. Sixty-five percent of underage drinkers get their alcohol from friends of family, according to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. Make sure the older adults know where you stand on providing alcohol to minors.
- Use the opportunity to talk to your kids about the dangers of underage drinking
Parents are the leading influence in their kids’ decisions to drink or not to drink. Use the holiday as an opportunity to explain the risks of underage drinking. (Click here to learn about the dangerous effects of underage drinking.)
- Make sure the adults set a good example
In order for kids to respect their parents’ stance against underage drinking, the parents must set a good example. This doesn’t mean that those of legal drinking age shouldn’t drink alcohol, but they should set a good example for drinking responsibly. Be cautious that the adults aren’t drinking to the point of intoxication and those who have been drinking don’t get behind the wheel.
Want more information about underage drinking? Check out these posts: