Start Talking Early, Often And Get Others Involved (NAPSA)—When it’s time to discuss the subject of alcohol, it’s important to start talking early, talk often and get others involved. Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth, contributing to the three leading causes of death among 12- to 20-year-olds (unintentional injury, homicide and suicide). According to a study, the Asian-American community is not immune. The study found that 17.2 percent of Asian teens ages 12-20 drank alcohol in the past month. Research shows that those who start drinking before age 15 are six times more likely to have alcohol problems as adults than those who start drinking at age 21 or older. A survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that the underage drinking rates were as high as 40 percent in some states such as North Dakota and Vermont. The study also reveals that nationwide, approximately 8.6 percent of past-month drinkers ages 12-20 purchased their own alcohol the last time they drank. Rates were highest in Louisiana and the District of Columbia and lowest in Alaska and New Mexico. To combat the epidemic of underage drinking, SAMHSA and the Ad Council have produced a series of national public service advertisements to encourage par- ents to talk to their children about drinking alcoholat an early age. Are you having a Lrlerered with your KIDS about Alcohol ? 4SAMIBA UNDERAGEdrinking.SAMHSA.gov or Text TALK to 30364 According to a study, 17.2 percent of Asian-American teens ages 12 to 20 drank alcohol in the past month. “Underage drinking is a national crisis putting the lives of millions of Americans at risk as well as the futures of many of our youth,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela 8. Hyde, J.D. “The national educational campaign aims at bringing to bear the most effective weapon against underage drinking—conversations between parents andtheir children.” Created by ad agency Deutsch Inc. through the Ad Council, the PSAs aim to reach parentsof children ages 11-15, with an emphasis on parents of middle school children. The related website features an action plan that parents can use to help start the conversation and resources to send to family members, peers and other adult influencers on their child’s decision to drink. For more information, visit www.stopalcoholabuse.gov.
