Underage Drinking/Alcohol Misuse
Alcohol is the most used substance by Missouri teens. 35% of our students reported drinking in their lifetime, and 14.3% reported drinking in past 30 days; slightly higher than the national averages. Underage drinking and alcohol misuse can lead to a series of complications to a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
The theme for this year’s Alcohol Awareness Month, observed in April, was “Changing Attitudes: It’s not a ‘rite of passage’”. Attitudes and norms about alcohol use can be changed with ongoing education and conversations; starting at home, with you and your kids. Help our youth achieve a healthy and safe ‘rite of passage’ into adulthood. Talk, They Hear You!
The next level for attitude change is in your community. Use ACT Missouri’s FREE Your ACTions Matter campaign to get the cogs of change rolling in your neighborhood or town! Email info@actmissouri for the accompanying posters, bags, and window clings.
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Alcohol Misuse Resources
State of Missouri Alcohol Responsibility Training
SMART Training
The State of Missouri Alcohol Responsibility Training (SMART) program is an interactive, web-based course available free of charge to those who own or work for any Missouri establishment licensed to sell alcohol.
Videos
Casey's Dear Future Me Letter - Alcohol
Join the NPW Dear Future Me Prevention Challenge and share a letter to your future self on social media about how you can take action today for a healthier tomorrow. #DearFutureMe
Links
Stop Underage Drinking
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2006 directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking and to issue an annual report summarizing all federal agency activities related to preventing underage alcohol use.
How to Address Underage Drinking
Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s teens and young adults, posing substantial health and safety risks. Believe it or not, the average age for a first drink is 14.