Hi, CV!

We don’t want our daughter to drink, although I hope that she goes to at least one party where teens drink flavored vodka in Gatorade bottles while I’m a text away. Since April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and college acceptance letters are in, what’s going on after high school?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), drinking is widespread. About four out of five college students drink alcohol. About half of college students who drink also consume alcohol through binge drinking. Each year, drinking affects college students, as well as college communities, and families. The consequences of drinking include:

Death:
1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries.

Assault:
More than 690,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking.

Sexual Abuse:
More than 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.

Injury:
599,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 receive unintentional injuries while under the influence of alcohol.

Academic Problems:
About 25% of college students report academic consequences of their drinking including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall.

Health Problems/Suicide Attempts:
More than 150,000 students develop an alcohol-related health problem and between 1.2 and 1.5% of students indicate that they tried to commit suicide within the past year due to drinking or drug use.

Even if they don’t drink, they are surrounded by kids who do. One PTA mom asked for tips to promote drinking safety, so here goes: Stack your cups or put bottle caps in a pocket so you can track consumption. Guys and gals get their own drinks! Hold the red cup upside down while walking in public so the police know you’re not breaking the law. No drinking and driving! Watch out for your friends! Know about the health center, resident advisors, and how to use Teen 911 Immunity.
Good luck!

Suzy Jacobs, Executive Director,
CV Alliance
3131 Foothill Blvd. Suite D
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 646-7867  http://cv-alliance.org/

  Suzy JACOBS