Mothers Against Drunk Driving
July is the month when more young people start using alcohol and other substances than any other. On average in July, someone under age 18 begins:
- Drinking alcohol every eight seconds
- Smoking cigarettes every 17 seconds
- Using marijuana every 19 seconds
- Using inhalants every 47 seconds
This is just people under the age of 18, so it’s even more frequent for those who are college-age. Summer is a time where free time can be turned to substance use and abuse.
But you know that the choices you make today set the foundation for your future. Staying on a positive path – and joining the majority of teens who don’t drink – will help you reach your ultimate goals and dreams.
And it is the majority of teens who don’t drink. Less than 30 percent of those under the legal drinking age of 21 have had a drink in the past month. And only 20 percent binge drink. That means most people are making healthy choices.
To stay on this positive path, it’s important to have a plan. Parents can be a strong resource. They are on your side and want you to be safe. Tell them if you are facing challenges related to drinking or other drugs. Be honest about your concerns and ask for their support. Talking can help, whether it’s with a parent, coach and or a school counselor – find someone you trust.
If you talk openly about alcohol and other drugs, you can build trust. If you show your parents you want to behave responsibly, they will be more likely to trust you and more likely to reward that trust.
If you make these positive choices, you can also be a leader for others. You can be an example for others and help those who look up to you. Check out www.madd.org/powerofyouth to learn how you can be a model for others. And, if you are a parent, learn how to have the conversation about alcohol effectively at www.madd.org/powerofparents.