National Alcohol Awareness Month: Preventing Underage Drinking

April is #AlcoholAwarenessMonth, a crucial time to highlight the effectiveness of underage drinking prevention and promote healthy lifestyle choices for young people. Underage drinking poses significant risks to youth, including impaired judgment, increased likelihood of risky behaviors, and potential long-term health consequences. By fostering open conversations and providing essential resources, we can empower parents, caregivers, and communities to take action. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) offers a social media toolkit to help raise awareness and an understanding of alcohol use and misuse. You can find helpful resources on alcohol use and misuse prevention, treatment and recovery support services that you and your community can use to support those who may be struggling.

Why Prevention Matters

Prevention works. Studies have shown that early intervention and consistent communication about alcohol can significantly reduce the likelihood of underage drinking. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) offers various tools and research-based strategies to help families and communities educate young people on the dangers of alcohol consumption. Learn more at SAMHSA's prevention resources.

Start the Conversation

Talking to young people about alcohol can make a difference. SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign provides practical resources to help parents and caregivers initiate conversations about alcohol avoidance and other healthy lifestyle choices. When youth know the risks and understand that trusted adults support them in making safe decisions, they are less likely to engage in underage drinking. Get started today at Talk. They Hear You.

Recognizing the Signs of Underage Drinking

As a parent or caregiver, staying informed about the warning signs of underage drinking is vital. Look for:

Sudden changes in behavior or mood swings
Declining school performance or loss of interest in activities
Secretive behavior or unexplained absences
The smell of alcohol or possession of alcohol-related items

If you suspect your child is drinking, take proactive steps by seeking guidance and resources.

The Dangers of Impaired Driving

One of the most severe consequences of underage drinking is impaired driving. Alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it extremely dangerous for anyone—especially inexperienced drivers. Open conversations about these risks, setting clear expectations, and modeling responsible behavior are key to keeping our kids safe. Learn more about how to address this issue at SAMHSA’s impaired driving prevention resources.

How You Can Help

Raising awareness and taking action are essential in preventing underage drinking. Here’s how you can contribute:

Share educational resources with your community.
Start conversations with youth about the importance of making healthy choices.
Encourage schools and local organizations to participate in alcohol prevention initiatives.
Support policies that promote alcohol-free environments for minors.

If you or someone you know needs help, resources and support are just a click away. Visit SAMHSA’s prevention page to find tools and guidance.

Let’s work together to create a safer future for our youth. This #AlcoholAwarenessMonth, join the conversation, spread awareness, and take action to prevent underage drinking!

Citations:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (n.d.). Alcohol Awareness Month Digital Toolkit. Retrieved from Alcohol Awareness Month | SAMHSA
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (n.d.). Communities Talk: Town Hall Meetings to Prevent Underage Drinking. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/communities-talk
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (n.d.). Talk. They Hear You. Campaign. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you