State Cautions Parents: Prevent Tragedies at Graduation Parties

Tips to Help Parents Keep Celebrations Safe

ALBANY, NY (06/25/2010)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today cautioned New York parents to prevent underage drinking during graduation party season, pointing to the tragic consequences of alcohol-related injuries and overdoses, car crashes, risk-taking behaviors and even death.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "This weekend thousands of our state's future will be graduating from high school and moving on to the next step in the journey of life. Their lives are important to us and we want to ensure that they are safe this graduation weekend."

"This is a season of proud and memorable celebrations that can result in painful tragedies," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "And the worst part is that most of these tragedies could be prevented, if responsible adults were involved and remain proactive in keeping alcohol away from those under 21. Parties involving alcohol can quickly spiral out of control."

OASAS has aggressively implemented the Party Patrol and Controlled Party Dispersal training with law enforcement agencies which are committed to reducing alcohol abuse, DWIs and underage drinking. Since 2006, 1,000 law enforcement officers statewide have been trained with prevention professionals on techniques to safely break up underage drinking gatherings at graduation parties, college dorms, residential settings, field parties, and large concert venues.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo continued, "Law enforcement agencies are also in the prevention business. Through intelligence gathering, working closely with the community and effectively using the media, law enforcement can deter youth from engaging in underage drinking. Youth are less likely to drink when they believe they will get caught by police. Parents are also less likely to host underage drinking parties when they know the facts and believe that they will be held accountable by law enforcement."

A total of 29 communities and 13 counties across New York state now have Social Host Laws which hold adults responsible for serving alcohol or drugs to underage youth in their homes. State law also includes penalties for adults who unlawfully deal with a child by supplying them with alcohol.

"When we know half of high school seniors had a drink in the past month, it is more important than ever during graduation season that we have a heightened focus on preventing underage drinking," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Parents remain the number one influence in their child's life – they must recognize that their actions do drive the decisions their children make. By knowing the facts about alcohol, setting clear "no-use" rules, establishing an open and honest relationship, and communicating to their child, they can help teens make the right decision not to drink and ultimately, save their lives."

The OASAS 2008 Youth Development Survey of 92,000 New York state students indicated that half, or 49 percent, of high school seniors admitted to drinking alcohol in the past 30 days - that's more than 100,000 seniors drinking - and most are getting the alcohol from someone they know and drinking at home or a friend's house. The survey also showed 31 percent of seniors reported at least one episode of binge drinking during the past two weeks (consumption of five or more drinks at one time).

Tips for parents who are planning a graduation party:

  • Establish firm ground rules and expectations before the party and communicate them with your guests before the event.
  • Before the event, also have your child communicate to their school friends the same ground rules.
  • Make it clear to underage guests that alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are not allowed.
  • Monitor the party area frequently, as well as areas that are off-limits to guests.
  • Be prepared to call parents of your underage guests if they appear to be under the influence or bring alcohol or other drugs to the party.
  • Serve plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. Provide fun activities that don't center around alcohol.
  • Make sure you know where your child is going to be at other graduation parties.
  • Direct your child to call you if she or he is in an unsafe situation and needs a ride home.
  • If there is adult consumption of alcohol, make sure they have designated drivers.

OASAS continues to promote its nationally recognized Underage Drinking: Not a Minor Problem Media Campaign which includes helpful information for youth, parents, colleges and communities. To report underage alcohol sales or an underage drinking party, individuals can call 1-866-UNDER21. OASAS is currently developing a media campaign to target the parents of middle and high school age youth regarding the importance of talking to their children about underage alcohol use and knowing there are community members available to guide the parent in that discussion.

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. Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness.

Addiction is a chronic disease, but New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can get help by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline, 1-877-8-HOPENY, staffed by trained clinicians ready to answer questions, help refer loved ones to treatment and provide other vital resources to facilitate that first step into recovery.

For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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