The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

Campaign to Prevent Kids from Drinking

MYTHS ABOUT KIDS & DRINKING

Young people drink to have a good time.

A recent national survey of junior and senior high school students tells a much different story. More than 30% of teenagers drink alone; boredom and emotional distress are among the reasons why they say they drink.

Alcohol is less dangerous than other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine or LSD.

Car crashes, suicides, homicides and drowning are all associated with alcohol use and make it the number-one drug problem for young people. In fact, the most likely cause of death for a 16-year old is alcohol-related.

If I let my child drink at home, he or she will be less likely to get into trouble with alcohol outside the home.

Research shows teenagers whose parents allow them to drink at home are more likely to drink outside the home and to use other drugs. They also have a much greater chance of developing a serious problem.

So long as my child doesn't drive, it's okay for him or her to drink.

Teens don't drink the same way adults do. Many teens engage in "binge drinking" and down their drinks quickly so that they will get drunk. When they are drunk they are more likely to drink and drive, or to ride with another teen who has been drinking.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

244 East 58th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 phone: 212/269-7797   fax: 212/269-7510 email: national@ncadd.org   http://www.ncadd.org HOPE LINE: 800/NCA-CALL (24-hour Affiliate referral)