Start Talking Before They Start Drinking
February 2006
You Can Prevent Underage Drinking
Childhood drinking is a serious problem all across America. One out of every two 8th graders has tried alcohol. More kids use alcohol than use tobacco or illicit drugs, and more children are killed by alcohol than all illegal drugs combined.
Underage drinking can cause a multitude of problems within the community, making it crucial for community- and faith-based organizations to take action to prevent children from starting to drink alcohol. Educators also have a unique opportunity to open a dialog about alcohol with their students. The website, www.stopalcoholabuse.gov, is a comprehensive portal of Federal resources for information on underage drinking and ideas for combating this issue. People interested in underage drinking prevention—including parents, educators, community-based organizations, and youth—will find a wealth of valuable information there.
In addition, on March 28, 2006, all across America, people are going to be talking about childhood drinking. Over 1,500 town hall meetings will take place nationally, including 21 in New Jersey.
In New Jersey, we understand the dangers of childhood drinking and are doing something about it. On March 28, 2006, town hall meetings will take place in every county addressing this important issue. Join us to hear more about the problem and how you can be part of the solution.
Please plan on attending this meeting in our county:
| WHEN: | Tuesday, March 28, 2006 7:00 – 8:30pm |
| WHERE: | Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Level One Trauma Center Arline and Henry Schwartzman Courtyard New Brunswick, NJ |
Remember: Children who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are 4 times more likely than those who start after age 21 to develop alcohol problems. When you attend this meeting and start talking before they start drinking, you can help raise awareness of this important issue.
NCADD will be sponsoring other town hall meetings throughout the county between April 1 and June 30, 2006. If you would like more information about a town hall meeting in your town, or if you would like to see a town hall meeting take place in your town, please contact Mara Carlin at 732-254-3344, ext. 13.
New Jersey’s Town Hall Meetings are made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services.
