Many adults consider it a fait accompli when it comes to teens consuming alcohol. Even though years of research tells us otherwise many kids and parents believe that everyone is drinking. This misconception often has a deleterious effect on our youth – convincing them that even the adults condone their imbibing from time to time.

Underage drinking continues to be a major concern throughout the nation. At the local level, teen gatherings, where alcohol is available, is far too common. While some cite that this behavior has been a routine practice for many years–often forgotten is the damage alcohol use/abuse has on young people. In addition to car fatalities, addiction, physical and sexual assault, there is also the impact families sometimes endure.

 We celebrate with alcohol. We grieve with alcohol. We even include alcohol in many of our religious ceremonies, cultural festivities, and business gatherings. Add in sporting events, concerts, parties with friends, and meals, it is apparent that alcohol is commonly present in our lives. While this is so kids are extremely vulnerable when they are drinking. Their decision-making, along with the fact that many drink to intoxication, is problematic. They are also just learning how to drive, heavily influenced by peers, and for some, not afraid of risky behavior.

When adults OK underage drinking, or tacitly approve of it, kids often perceive that there is nothing wrong with ‘a few beers’. This is not just a mixed message. It is actually a pretty clear one.

Nearly all of us have been at events where alcohol is readily available. In addition, having a drink for dinner or when having friends over, is well within the boundaries of normalcy. My point here has very little to do with the evils of alcohol. No, my point here has to do with adults abiding by the law when it comes to kids drinking. Kids – when they become adults – will have plenty of opportunities to drink. Let’s protect them so they can grow to make decisions based on choice rather than peer dynamics, or a need to prove something. Kids do not need parents, caregivers, and other adults to be their friends. They do, however, need adults to be adults.  Your doing so will go a long way in protecting young people as well as teaching them responsibility. It’s a tough job, but well worth the effort.

Robert Houghtaling is the Director of Substance Abuse Prevention/Mental Health in East Greenwich