National Report Reveals Need for Parents Heightened Awareness of Dangers of Underage Drinking

ALBANY, NY (06/26/2008)(readMedia)-- A nationwide study released today on underage drinking behavior in the United States reveals the need for parents to have a heightened awareness of the dangers of underage drinking, New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo said.

The report estimates that 40 percent of underage drinkers in the United States received free alcohol from adults over 21 and 6.4 percent were given alcoholic beverages by their parents in the past month.

The report was issued by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), presenting findings on all 50 states from the 2002 to 2006 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUHs) on the use of alcohol by those aged 12 to 20.

"We have made great strides in New York state in reducing the drinking behaviors of teens, however, the numbers are still too high and we need to do even more," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "This study shows the enormous impact that a parent's influence has over their child's behavior. Parents must recognize that their actions do drive the decisions their children make."

To address the importance of preventing underage drinking, OASAS submitted a "Social Host" proposal to the NYS Legislature. This legislative proposal is an important tool for the prevention of underage drinking for all communities throughout New York State.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo continued, "We must be proactive in New York state to stop the use of alcohol among those who are under 21, and this measure will directly address the adults, and even parents, who might consider allowing alcohol consumption at their home. There is no safe place to serve alcohol to those under 21 and New Yorkers need to take their responsibility in this issue."

The bill would amend the Penal Law to prohibit any person who is over the age of 18 and who own, rents or controls a private residence to permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages by any person under the age of 21 years who is present at any party, gathering or event on the premises of such person. The bill also adds penalties for violating the provisions of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, and the third offense and any subsequent offense a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment for a term not to exceed one year or by both fine and imprisonment. The recent amendment to the bill adds language to clarify that local social host laws will not be affected by the state law.

This bill passed the Senate but was not considered in the Assembly. Although the bill was not considered by the Assembly Codes Committee there is a commitment to continue discussions on Social Host legislation. Through a dialogue with both houses during the off session we hope to address the issue of underage alcohol consumption through a statewide "Social Host" law.

SAMHSA figures for New York drinking behaviors estimated that close to 1.4 million (57 percent) individuals aged 12 to 20 years old have used alcohol in their lifetime, 1.2 million (50 percent) in the past year, 763,000 (32 percent) in the past month, 504,000 (21 percent) binge use in past month, 168,000 (7 percent) heavy use in past month and 225,000 (9 percent) dependence or abuse in past year.

According to the OASAS 2006 School Survey, about two-thirds (904,000 or 66 percent) of 7-12 graders reported having had a drink in their lifetime, about 1 in four (340,000 or 25 percent) have consumed 5 or more drinks at one time at least once a month, and 37 percent or more than 500,000 had a drink of alcohol at least once a month.

Because of the techniques used in gathering the federal figures, OASAS researchers said that the federal figures do not accurately reflect the drinking behaviors in New York because there can be the inhibiting presence of parents. The OASAS surveys are more reflective of the drinking behaviors because the OASAS survey is done anonymously.

To address the dangers of underage drinking in New York, OASAS currently is working with parents, schools and law enforcement in more than 50 community mobilization coalitions statewide to provide best evidence-based prevention services, and help change norms, attitudes and behaviors regarding underage drinking. OASAS also partners with college campuses to prevent underage drinking among college students, and provides underage drinking prevention training on law enforcement compliance checks; party patrols and responsible beverage server training.

In addition, OASAS continues to promote it's nationally recognized Underage Drinking: Not a Minor Problem Media Campaign which includes helpful information to parents, as well as beer, liquor and wine retailers.

In 2006, the Advisory Council on Underage Alcohol Consumption was established to address programmatic and training solutions to address underage drinking. The Council is required to issue a report in October 2008 which will make recommendations to increase efforts to reduce underage alcohol consumption.

Underage drinking can lead to unplanned and unprotected sexual activity, poor school performance, driving while intoxicated, and even death. In addition, underage drinking can hinder brain, organ, bone and muscle development, along with long term memory and learning skills.

Evidence-based prevention strategies are a key component of the OASAS mission to improve the lives of New Yorkers by leading a premier system of addiction services through prevention, treatment, recovery. More than 250 of the 1,550 OASAS certified or funded programs throughout the state are dedicated to prevention. More information is available at the agency web site, www.OASAS.state.ny.us. Anyone seeking help or information about alcohol or other substance abuse problems can call the 24-hour helpline at 1-800-522-5353.

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