Alcohol Consumption by Teens Often Leads to Early Onset of Addiction

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

ALBANY, NY (04/04/2011)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez today recognized Alcohol Awareness Month by encouraging parents and community members to help prevent underage drinking by learning the facts about alcohol as well as how they can help to stop the early onset of alcoholism and addiction.

"Alcohol abuse and addiction continues to present a major health crisis in our state and country and we know that prolonged, heavy use of alcohol can lead to alcohol addiction," said Commissioner González-Sánchez. "Teens who begin drinking alcohol are also at a much greater risk for developing an alcohol problem as an adult."

According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a teenager who begins drinking before the age of 15 is seven times more likely to have an alcohol abuse or dependence issue later in life than someone who waits until 21 to drink alcohol.

The 2008 Youth Development Survey conducted by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) also reports that one out of every three 13-year-olds in New York has tried alcohol. OASAS-certified providers had treatment admissions for 6,500 youth between the ages of 12 and 17 in the past year.

"More prevention messages are needed and are an effective way to help parents and teens become more aware of the risks and consequences of underage drinking," says Commissioner González-Sánchez. "Parents should also know that help is available through a network of more than 280 prevention programs which provide services in schools and communities throughout our state."

In an effort to increase awareness, help break the cycle of addiction, eliminate the stigma, and promote a life of sobriety and wellness, OASAS continues to promote its Your Story Matters Campaign at www.iamrecovery.com. Its nationally recognized Underage Drinking: Not a Minor Problem Media Campaign also includes helpful information for youth, parents, colleges, and communities. Individuals can also report underage alcohol sales or an underage drinking party, by calling 1-866-UNDER21.

David McDaniels, featured in the 2010-2011 Your Story Matters Campaign said," I started drinking alcohol at the age of 12 because it wasn't an illicit drug and it helped me to feel confident and cool. I also wanted to feel like I was a part of something and forget about the reality of my life. But, alcohol was always the beginning that threatened to lead to my downfall."

"Unfortunately many messages throughout our society often glamorize alcohol and frequently show drinking as an acceptable way to escape personal difficulties or as a way to feel better," says Commissioner González-Sánchez. "Parents and community leaders must stand together to help protect our young people by teaching them the real facts of alcohol abuse and how to make the healthy lifestyle choices."

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

To get help for someone in need, call the toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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