MAKEA Talk 

to 

your 

child 

about 

Alcohol 

DIFFERENCE 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
 

National Institutes of Health
 

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 
Talk
 

to 

your 

child 

about 

Alcohol
 
CONTENTS
 

Introduction..............................................................3
 

Your Young Teen’s World.........................................5
 

The Bottom Line: 


A Strong Parent-Child 


Relationship ..................................................................7
 

Talking With Your 


Teen About Alcohol ................................................10
 

Taking Action: 

Prevention Strategies 


for Parents ..................................................................15
 

Could My Child Develop
 

a Drinking Problem? ..............................................19
 

Resources ...............................................................23
 

Other NIAAA Resources 


and Publications...................................................24
 
QUICK FACTS
 

Kids who drink are more likely to be victims of 

violent crime, to be involved in alcohol-related traffic 

crashes, and to have serious school-related problems. 

You have more influence on your child’s values and 

decisions about drinking before he or she begins to 

use alcohol. 

Parents can have a major impact on their children’s 

drinking, especially during the preteen and early 

teen years. 

2
 
INTRODUCTION
 

With so many drugs available to young people these days, you may 

wonder, “Why develop a booklet about helping kids avoid 

alcohol?” Alcohol is a drug, as surely as cocaine and marijuana are. 

It’s also illegal to drink under the age of 21. And it’s dangerous. Kids 

who drink are more likely to: 

•

•

•

Be victims of violent crime. 

Have serious problems in school. 

Be involved in drinking-related traffic crashes. 

This guide is geared to parents and guardians of young people ages 

10 to 14. Keep in mind that the suggestions on the following pages are 

just that—suggestions. Trust your instincts. Choose ideas you are 

comfortable with, and use your own style in carrying out the approaches 

you find useful. Your child looks to you for guidance and support in 

making life decisions—including the decision not to use alcohol. 

“But my child isn’t drinking yet,” you may think. “Isn’t it a little 

early to be concerned about drinking?” Not at all. This is the age when 

some children begin experimenting with alcohol. Even if your child is 

not yet drinking alcohol, he or she may be receiving pressure to drink. 

Act now. Keeping quiet about how you feel about your child’s alcohol 

use may give him or her the impression that alcohol use is OK for kids. 

It’s not easy. As children approach adolescence, friends exert a lot 

of influence. Fitting in is a chief priority for teens, and parents often feel 

shoved aside. Kids will listen, however. Study after study shows that 

even during the teen years, parents have enormous influence on their 

children’s behavior. 

The bottom line is that most young teens don’t yet drink. And 

parents’ disapproval of youthful alcohol use is the key reason children 

choose not to drink. So make no mistake: You can make a difference. 

(Note: This booklet uses a variety of terms to refer to young people ages 10 to 14, including 

youngsters, children, kids, and young teens.) 

3
 

 

 

 

YOUNG TEENS AND
 

ALCOHOL:THE RISKS
 

For young people, alcohol is the drug of choice. In fact, alcohol is 

used by more young people than tobacco or illicit drugs. Although 

most children under age 14 have not yet begun to drink, early 

adolescence is a time of special risk for beginning to experiment 

with alcohol. 

While some parents and guardians may feel relieved that their 

teen is “only” drinking, it is important to remember that alcohol is a 

powerful, mood-altering drug. Not only does alcohol affect the mind 

and body in often unpredictable ways, but teens lack the judgment 

and coping skills to handle alcohol wisely. As a result: 

Alcohol-related traffic crashes are a major cause of death among 

young people. Alcohol use also is linked with teen deaths by 

drowning, suicide, and homicide. 

Teens who use alcohol are more likely to be sexually active at 

earlier ages, to have sexual intercourse more often, and to have 

unprotected sex than teens who do not drink. 

Young people who drink are more likely than others to be victims 

of violent crime, including rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. 

Teens who drink are more likely to have problems with school 

work and school conduct. 

The majority of boys and girls who drink tend to binge (5 or more 

drinks on an occasion for boys and 4 or more on an occasion for 

girls) when they drink. 

A person who begins drinking as a young teen is four times 

more likely to develop alcohol dependence than someone who 

waits until adulthood to use alcohol. 

The message is clear: Alcohol use is very risky business for young 

people. And the longer children delay alcohol use, the less likely they 

are to develop any problems associated with it.That’s why it is so 

important to help your child avoid any alcohol use. 

4
YOUR YOUNG TEEN’S WORLD
 

Early adolescence is a time of immense and often confusing changes for your son or daughter, which makes it a challenging time for 

both your youngster and you. Understanding what it’s like to be a teen 

can help you stay closer to your child and have more influence on the 

choices he or she makes—including decisions about using alcohol. 

Changes in the Brain. Research shows that as a child matures, 

his or her brain continues to develop too. In fact, the brain’s final, adult 

wiring may not even be complete until well into the twenties. 

Furthermore, in some ways, the adolescent brain may be specifically 

“wired” to help youth navigate adolescence and to take some of the 

risks necessary to achieve independence from their parents. This may 

help explain why teens often seek out new and thrilling—sometimes 

dangerous—situations, including drinking alcohol. It also offers a possible 

reason for why young teens act so impulsively, often not recognizing 

that their actions—such as drinking—can lead to serious problems. 

Growing Up and Fitting In. As children approach adolescence, 

“fitting in” becomes extremely important. They begin to feel more selfconscious about their bodies than they did when they were younger 

and begin to wonder whether they are “good enough”—tall enough, 

slender enough, attractive enough—compared with others. They look 

to friends and the media for clues on how they measure up, and they 

begin to question adults’ values and rules. It’s not surprising that this is 

the time when parents often experience conflict with their kids. 

Respecting your child’s growing independence while still providing 

support and setting limits is a key challenge during this time. 

A young teen who feels that he or she doesn’t fit in is more likely 

to do things to try to please friends, including experimenting with 

alcohol. During this vulnerable time, it is particularly important to let 

your children know that in your eyes, they do measure up—and that 

you care about them deeply. 

5
DID YOU KNOW?
 

That according to a recent national survey, 16 percent of eighth 

graders reported drinking alcohol within the past month? 

That 32 percent of eighth graders reported drinking in the 

past year? 

That 64 percent of eighth graders say that alcohol is easy to get? 

That a recent survey shows that more girls than boys ages 12 

to17 reported drinking alcohol? 

6
 
THE BOTTOM LINE: 


A STRONG PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP 

Y

ou may wonder why a guide for preventing teen alcohol use is 

putting so much emphasis on parents’ need to understand and 

support their children. But the fact is, the best way to influence your 

child to avoid drinking is to have a strong, trusting relationship with 

him or her. Research shows that teens are much more likely to delay 

drinking when they feel they have a close, supportive tie with a parent 

or guardian. Moreover, if your son or daughter eventually does begin to 

drink, a good relationship with you will help protect him or her from 

developing alcohol-related problems. 

The opposite also is true: When the relationship between a parent 

and teen is full of conflict or is very distant, the teen is more likely to 

use alcohol and to develop drinking-related problems. 

This connection between the parent–child relationship and a 

child’s drinking habits makes a lot of sense when you think about it. 

First, when children have a strong bond with a parent, they are apt to 

feel good about themselves and therefore be less likely to give in to peer 

pressure to use alcohol. Second, a good relationship with you is likely 

to encourage your children to try to live up to your expectations, 

because they want to maintain their close tie with you. Here are some 

ways to build a strong, supportive bond with your child: 

• 

• 

Establish open communication. Make it easy for your 

teen to talk honestly with you. (See box “Tips for Talking 

With Your Teen.”) 

Show you care. Even though young teens may not always 

show it, they still need to know that they are important to 

their parents. Make it a point to regularly spend one-onone time with your child—time when you can give him 

or her your loving, undivided attention. Some activities 

to share: a walk, a bike ride, a quiet dinner out, or a 

cookie-baking session. 

7
TIPS FOR TALKING
 

WITH YOUR TEEN
 

Developing open, trusting communication between you and 

your child is essential to helping him or her avoid alcohol use. 

If your child feels comfortable talking openly with you, you’ll 

have a greater chance of guiding him or her toward healthy 

decisionmaking. Some ways to begin: 

Encourage conversation. Encourage your child to talk about 

whatever interests him or her. Listen without interruption 

and give your child a chance to teach you something new. 

Your active listening to your child’s enthusiasms paves the 

way for conversations about topics that concern you. 

Ask open-ended questions. Encourage your teen to tell 

you how he or she thinks and feels about the issue you’re 

discussing. Avoid questions that have a simple “yes” or “no” 

answer. 

Control your emotions. If you hear something you don’t 

like, try not to respond with anger. Instead, take a few deep 

breaths and acknowledge your feelings in a constructive way. 

Make every conversation a “win-win” experience. Don’t 

lecture or try to “score points” on your teen by showing 

how he or she is wrong. If you show respect for your 

child’s viewpoint, he or she will be more likely to listen 

to and respect yours. 

8
•

•

•

Draw the line. Set clear, realistic expectations for your 

child’s behavior. Establish appropriate consequences for 

breaking rules and consistently enforce them. 

Offer acceptance. Make sure your teen knows that you 

appreciate his or her efforts as well as accomplishments. 

Avoid hurtful teasing or criticism. 

Understand that your child is growing up. This doesn’t 

mean a hands-off attitude. But as you guide your child’s 

behavior, also make an effort to respect his or her growing 

need for independence and privacy. 

GOOD REASONS FOR TEENS 


NOT TO DRINK
 

You want your child to avoid alcohol.
 

You want your child to maintain self-respect.
 

You want them to know drinking is illegal.
 

Drinking at their age can be dangerous.
 

You may have a family history of alcoholism.
 

9
 
TALKING WITH YOUR TEEN ABOUT ALCOHOL
 

F

or many parents, bringing up the subject of alcohol is no easy 

matter. Your young teen may try to dodge the discussion, and you 

yourself may feel unsure about how to proceed. To make the most of 

your conversation, take some time to think about the issues you want 

to discuss before you talk with your child. Consider too how your child 

might react and ways you might respond to your youngster’s questions 

and feelings. Then choose a time to talk when both you and your child 

have some “down time” and are feeling relaxed. 

You don’t need to cover everything at once. In fact, you’re likely 

to have a greater impact on your child’s decisions about drinking by 

having a number of talks about alcohol use throughout his or her 

adolescence. Think of this talk with your child as the first part of an 

ongoing conversation. 

And remember, do make it a conversation, not a lecture! You might 

begin by finding out what your child thinks about alcohol and drinking. 

Your Child’s Views About Alcohol. Ask your young teen what 

he or she knows about alcohol and what he or she thinks about teen 

drinking. Ask your child why he or she thinks kids drink. Listen 

carefully without interrupting. Not only will this approach help your 

child to feel heard and respected, but it can serve as a natural “lead-in” 

to discussing alcohol topics. 

Important Facts About Alcohol. Although many kids 

believe that they already know everything about alcohol, myths and 

misinformation abound. Here are some important facts to share: 

•

•

Alcohol is a powerful drug that slows down the body and 

mind. It impairs coordination; slows reaction time; and 

impairs vision, clear thinking, and judgment. 

Beer and wine are not “safer” than hard liquor. A 12-ounce 

can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and 1.5 ounces of 

hard liquor all contain the same amount of alcohol and 

have the same effects on the body and mind. 

10
• 

• 

• 

On average, it takes 2 to 3 hours for a single drink to leave 

a person’s system. Nothing can speed up this process, including 

drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or “walking it off.” 

People tend to be very bad at judging how seriously 

alcohol has affected them. That means many individuals 

who drive after drinking think they can control a car—but 

actually cannot. 

Anyone can develop a serious alcohol problem, including 

a teenager. 

Good Reasons Not to Drink. In talking with your child about 

reasons to avoid alcohol, stay away from scare tactics. Most young teens 

are aware that many people drink without problems, so it is important 

to discuss the consequences of alcohol use without overstating the case. 

Some good reasons why teens should not drink: 

•

•

•

•

You want your child to avoid alcohol. Clearly state your 

own expectations about your child’s drinking. Your values 

and attitudes count with your child, even though he or 

she may not always show it. 

To maintain self-respect. Teens say the best way to persuade 

them to avoid alcohol is to appeal to their self-respect— 

let them know that they are too smart and have too much 

going for them to need the crutch of alcohol. Teens also 

are likely to pay attention to examples of how alcohol 

might lead to embarrassing situations or events—things 

that might damage their self-respect or alter important 

relationships. 

Drinking is illegal. Because alcohol use under the age of 

21 is illegal, getting caught may mean trouble with the 

authorities. Even if getting caught doesn’t lead to police 

action, the parents of your child’s friends may no longer 

permit them to associate with your child. 

Drinking can be dangerous. One of the leading causes 

of teen deaths is motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol. 

Drinking also makes a young person more vulnerable to 

sexual assault and unprotected sex. And while your teen 

may believe he or she wouldn’t engage in hazardous 

11
THE COOL SPOT 

It’s not always easy to get through to adolescents. Parents 

need all the help they can get. NIAAA’s Web site for middle 

schoolers, thecoolspot.gov, is an interactive tool designed 

specifically for kids. The site helps parents reinforce many of 

the ideas presented here, including: 

A “reality check” on the drinking behavior of their peers 

(not everyone drinks). 

Compelling reasons not to drink. 

An inside look at peer pressure, how to recognize it, and 

how to avoid it. 

The most effective ways to say “no” to drinking. 

Help your child better understand the risks of underage 

drinking and ways to resist peer pressure. Log on together 

www.thecoolspot.gov. 

12
activities after drinking, point out that because alcohol 

impairs judgment, a drinker is very likely to think such 

activities won’t be dangerous. 

•

•

You have a family history of alcoholism. If one or more 

members of your family has suffered from alcoholism, 

your child may be somewhat more vulnerable to 

developing a drinking problem. 

Alcohol affects young people differently than adults. 

Drinking while the brain is still maturing may lead to 

long-lasting intellectual effects and may even increase the 

likelihood of developing alcohol dependence later in life. 

The “Magic Potion” Myth. The media’s glamorous portrayal of 

alcohol encourages many teens to believe that drinking will make them 

“cool,” popular, attractive, and happy. Research shows that teens who 

expect such positive effects are more likely to drink at early ages. 

However, you can help to combat these dangerous myths by watching 

TV shows and movies with your child and discussing how alcohol is 

portrayed in them. For example, television advertisements for beer 

often show young people having an uproariously good time, as though 

drinking always puts people in a terrific mood. Watching such a 

commercial with your child can be an opportunity to discuss the many 

ways that alcohol can affect people—in some cases bringing on feelings 

of sadness or anger rather than carefree high spirits. 

How to Handle Peer Pressure. It’s not enough to tell your 

young teen that he or she should avoid alcohol—you also need to help 

your child figure out how. What can your daughter say when she goes 

to a party and a friend offers her a beer? (See “Help Your Child Say 

No.”) Or what should your son do if he finds himself in a home where 

kids are passing around a bottle of wine and parents are nowhere in 

sight? What should their response be if they are offered a ride home 

with an older friend who has been drinking? 

Brainstorm with your teen for ways that he or she might handle 

these and other difficult situations, and make clear how you are willing 

to support your child. An example: “If you find yourself at a home 

where kids are drinking, call me and I’ll pick you up—and there will be 

13
no scolding or punishment.” The more prepared your child is, the 

better able he or she will be to handle high-pressure situations that 

involve drinking. 

Mom, Dad, Did You Drink When You Were a Kid? 

This is the question many parents dread—yet it is highly likely to 

come up in any family discussion of alcohol. The reality is that many 

parents did drink before they were old enough to legally do so. So how 

can one be honest with a child without sounding like a hypocrite who 

advises, “Do as I say, not as I did”? 

This is a judgment call. If you believe that your drinking or drug use 

history should not be part of the discussion, you can simply tell your child 

that you choose not to share it. Another approach is to admit that you did 

do some drinking as a teenager, but that it was a mistake—and give your 

teen an example of an embarrassing or painful moment that occurred 

because of your drinking. This approach may help your child better 

understand that youthful alcohol use does have negative consequences. 

HOW TO HOST A TEEN PARTY
 

Agree on a guest list—and don’t admit party crashers.
 

Discuss ground rules with your child before the party.
 

Encourage your teen to plan the party with a responsible
 

friend so that he or she will have support if problems arise.
 

Brainstorm fun activities for the party.
 

If a guest brings alcohol into your house, ask him or her to leave.
 

Serve plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
 

Be visible and available—but don’t join the party!
 

14
TAKING ACTION: PREVENTION STRATEGIES 

FOR PARENTS 

While parent–child conversations about not drinking are essential, talking isn’t enough—you also need to take concrete action to 

help your child resist alcohol. Research strongly shows that active, 

supportive involvement by parents and guardians can help teens avoid 

underage drinking and prevent later alcohol misuse. 

In a recent national survey, 64 percent of eighth graders said 

alcohol was “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get and 32 percent reported 

drinking within the last year. The message is clear: Young teens still 

need plenty of adult supervision. Some ways to provide it: 

Monitor Alcohol Use in Your Home. If you keep alcohol in your 

home, keep track of the supply. Make it clear to your child that you don’t 

allow unchaperoned parties or other teen gatherings in your home. If 

possible, however, encourage him or her to invite friends over when 

you are at home. The more entertaining your child does in your home, 

the more you will know about your child’s friends and activities. 

Connect With Other Parents. Getting to know other parents 

and guardians can help you keep closer tabs on your child. Friendly 

relations can make it easier for you to call the parent of a teen who is 

having a party to be sure that a responsible adult will be present and 

that alcohol will not be available. You’re likely to find out that you’re 

not the only adult who wants to prevent teen alcohol use—many other 

parents share your concern. 

Keep Track of Your Child’s Activities. Be aware of your teen’s 

plans and whereabouts. Generally, your child will be more open to 

your supervision if he or she feels you are keeping tabs because you 

care, not because you distrust him or her. 

Develop Family Rules About Youthful Drinking. When parents 

establish clear “no alcohol” rules and expectations, their children are 

less likely to begin drinking. Although each family should develop 

15
agreements about teen alcohol use that reflect their own beliefs and 

values, some possible family rules about drinking are: 

•

•

•

•

Kids will not drink alcohol until they are 21. 

Older siblings will not encourage younger brothers or 

sisters to drink and will not give them alcohol. 

Kids will not stay at teen parties where alcohol is served. 

Kids will not ride in a car with a driver who has been 

drinking. 

Set a Good Example. Parents and guardians are important role 

models for their children—even children who are fast becoming 

teenagers. Studies indicate that if a parent uses alcohol, his or her 

children are more likely to drink as well. But even if you use alcohol, 

there may be ways to lessen the likelihood that your child will drink. 

Some suggestions: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

Use alcohol moderately. 

Don’t communicate to your child that alcohol is a good 

way to handle problems. For example, don’t come home 

from work and say, “I had a rotten day. I need a drink.” 

Let your child see that you have other, healthier ways to 

cope with stress, such as exercise; listening to music; or 

talking things over with your spouse, partner, or friend. 

Don’t tell your kids stories about your own drinking in a 

way that conveys the message that alcohol use is funny or 

glamorous. 

Never drink and drive or ride in a car with a driver who 

has been drinking. 

When you entertain other adults, serve alcohol-free beverages 

and plenty of food. If anyone drinks too much at your 

party, make arrangements for them to get home safely. 

Don’t Support Teen Drinking. Your attitudes and behavior 

toward teen drinking also influence your child. Avoid making jokes 

16
HELP YOUR CHILD SAY NO


Your child can learn to resist alcohol or anything else 

he or she may feel pressured into. Let him or her know 

that the best way to say “no” is to be assertive—that is, 

say no and mean it. 

RESIST THE PRESSURE TO DRINK 

Say no and let them know you mean it. 

Stand up straight. 

Make eye contact. 

Say how you feel. 

Don’t make excuses. 

Stand up for yourself. 

about underage drinking or drunkenness, or otherwise showing 

acceptance of teen alcohol use. Never serve alcohol to your child’s 

underage friends. Research shows that kids whose parents or friends’ 

parents provide alcohol for teen get-togethers are more likely to engage 

in heavier drinking, to drink more often, and to get into traffic crashes. 

Remember, too, that in almost every State it is illegal to provide alcohol 

to minors who are not family members. 

Help Your Child Build Healthy Friendships. If your child’s 

friends use alcohol, your child is more likely to drink too. So it makes 

sense to try to encourage your young teen to develop friendships with 

kids who do not drink and who are otherwise healthy influences on 

your child. A good first step is to simply get to know your child’s friends 

better. You can then invite the kids you feel good about to family gettogethers and outings and find other ways to encourage your child to 

17
spend time with those teens. Also, talk directly with your child about 

the qualities in a friend that really count, such as trustworthiness and 

kindness, rather than popularity or a “cool” style. 

When you disapprove of one of your child’s friends, the situation 

can be tougher to handle. While it may be tempting to simply forbid 

your child to see that friend, such a move may make your child even 

more determined to hang out with him or her. Instead, you might try 

pointing out your reservations about the friend in a caring, supportive 

way. You can also limit your child’s time with that friend through your 

family rules, such as how after-school time can be spent or how late 

your child can stay out in the evening. 

Encourage Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol. One reason kids 

drink is to beat boredom. So it makes sense to encourage your child to 

participate in supervised after-school and weekend activities that are 

challenging and fun. According to a recent survey of preteens, the 

availability of enjoyable, alcohol-free activities is a big reason for 

deciding not to use alcohol. 

If your community doesn’t offer many supervised activities, 

consider getting together with other parents and teens to help create 

some. Start by asking your child and other kids what they want to do, 

because they will be most likely to participate in activities that truly 

interest them. Find out whether your church, school, or community 

organization can help you sponsor a project. 

18
COULD MY CHILD DEVELOP A 


DRINKING PROBLEM?
 

T

his booklet is primarily concerned with preventing teen alcohol use. 

We also need to pay attention to the possibility of youthful alcohol 

abuse. Certain children are more likely than others to drink heavily and 

encounter alcohol-related difficulties, including health, school, legal, 

family, and emotional problems. Kids at highest risk for alcohol-related 

problems are those who: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Begin using alcohol or other drugs before the age of 15. 

Have a parent who is a problem drinker or an alcoholic. 

Have close friends who use alcohol and/or other drugs. 

Have been aggressive, antisocial, or hard to control from 

an early age. 

Have experienced childhood abuse and/or other major 

traumas. 

Have current behavioral problems and/or are failing at 

school. 

Have parents who do not support them, do not communicate 

openly with them, and do not keep track of their behavior 

or whereabouts. 

Experience ongoing hostility or rejection from parents 

and/or harsh, inconsistent discipline. 

The more of these experiences a child has had, the greater the 

chances that he or she will develop problems with alcohol. Having 

one or more risk factors does not mean that your child definitely will 

develop a drinking problem, but it does suggest that you may need to 

act now to help protect your youngster from later problems. 

19
Talking with your child is more important now than ever. If your 

child has serious behavioral problems, you may want to seek help 

from his or her school counselor, physician, and/or a mental health 

professional. And if you suspect that your child may be in trouble 

with drinking, consider getting advice from a health care professional 

specializing in alcohol problems before talking with your teen (see 

box “Warning Signs of a Drinking Problem”). To find a professional, 

contact your family doctor or a local hospital. Other sources of 

information and guidance may be found in your local Yellow Pages 

under “Alcoholism” or through one of the resources listed at the end 

of this booklet. 

20
WARNING SIGNS 

OF A DRINKING 

PROBLEM 

Although the following signs may indicate a problem with 

alcohol or other drugs, some also reflect normal teenage 

growing pains. Experts believe that a drinking problem is more 

likely if you notice several of these signs at the same time, if 

they occur suddenly, and if some of them are extreme in nature. 

Mood changes: flare-ups of temper, irritability, and 

defensiveness.
 

School problems: poor attendance, low grades, and/or
 

recent disciplinary action.
 

Rebelling against family rules. 

Switching friends, along with a reluctance to have you get 


to know the new friends.
 

A “nothing matters” attitude: sloppy appearance, a lack of
 

involvement in former interests, and general low energy. 

Finding alcohol in your child’s room or backpack, or
 

smelling alcohol on his or her breath.
 

Physical or mental problems: memory lapses, poor
 

concentration, bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination,
 

or slurred speech.
 

21
ACTION 

CHECKLIST
 

Establish a loving, trusting relationship with your child.
 

Make it easy for your teen to talk honestly with you.
 

Talk with your child about alcohol facts, reasons not to
 

drink, and ways to avoid drinking in difficult situations.
 

Keep tabs on your young teen’s activities, and join with
 

other parents in making common policies about teen
 

alcohol use.
 

Develop family rules about teen drinking and establish
 

consequences.
 

Set a good example regarding your own alcohol use and
 

your response to teen drinking.
 

Encourage your child to develop healthy friendships and
 

fun alternatives to drinking.
 

Know whether your child is at high risk for a drinking
 

problem; if so, take steps to lessen that risk.
 

Know the warning signs of a teen drinking problem and 


act promptly to get help for your child.
 

Believe in your own power to help your child avoid 


alcohol use.
 

22
RESOURCES
 

Join Together 

580 Harrison Avenue, 3rd Floor 

Boston, MA 02118 

617–437–1500 

Internet address: http://www.jointogether.org 

A national resource center for communities across the nation that are 

working to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse. 

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence 

244 East 58th Street, 4th Floor 

New York, NY 10022 

800–NCA–CALL (622–2255) 

(toll free; 24-hour affiliate referral) 

Internet address: http://www.ncadd.org 

Provides educational materials on alcohol abuse and alcoholism as 

well as phone numbers of local NCADD affiliates who can supply 

information on local treatment resources. 

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 

5635 Fishers Lane, MSC 9304 

Bethesda, MD 20892–9304 

301–443–3860 

Internet address: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov 

Makes available free informational materials on many aspects of 

alcohol use, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline 

800–662–HELP (4357) (toll free) 

Internet address: http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov 

Provides information, support, treatment options, and referrals to 

local rehab centers for drug or alcohol problems. Operates 24 hours, 

7 days a week. 

23
OTHER NIAAA RESOURCES 


AND PUBLICATIONS
 

If you are interested in learning more about alcohol abuse and alcoholism, 

NIAAA has developed a number of resources for the public: 

www.thecoolspot.gov—Web site developed specifically for 

children ages 11 through 13. See box, page 12. 

A Family History of Alcoholism: Are You at Risk?—pamphlet 

containing basic information for anyone who is concerned about 

a family history of alcoholism. Lists organizations that can help 

relatives or friends of alcoholics. English version: NIH Publication 

Number 03–5340; Spanish version: NIH Publication Number 

04–5340–S. 

To order, write to: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 

Publications Distribution Center, P.O. Box 10686, Rockville, MD 

20849–0686, or access the full text of the above publications online at 

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov. 

24
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NIH Publication No. 06-4314
 

Revised 2009