Episode 28: Do “all kids” drink by the end of high school? Underage drinking perceptions and norms

Do all kids drink alcohol before they graduate high school? Is this a thing? Today we are breaking down the youth and parent perceptions and norms around underage drinking with Beth Bruton from Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems. We discuss all the surrounding variables that influence youth’s perception of alcohol including social media, peer influence, and family modeling. We also talk about how although some parents may serve alcohol to their kids with best intentions of teaching them to be responsible, studies show that kids that are given alcohol at home underage are more likely to drink more often and larger amounts–but most parents don’t know this–we don’t know what we don’t know. Beth gave great tips on ways to talk to your kids about underage drinking and how to set up strategies to give your kids an out if they are in a risky situation. She also provided ways to talk to other parents that may or may not know the risks of underage drinking and how to share this information. We loved this conversation with Beth and hope you will join us!

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Things we mentioned in this episode:

We referenced data from the PAYS 2021 Report

CTC PAYS Data on Alcohol Infographic 

We mentioned a previous episode with Carl Gregory explaining the importance of unconditional love

We mentioned a previous episode with Corporal Gathercole from Upper Uwchlan Police Dept.

Chrissie mentioned Jessica Lahey and her Instagram Reels series with main points from her book The Addiction Inoculation 

Holcomb has implemented MADD’s Power of Parents initiative which has many great resources for parents to talk to their kids about underage drinking

Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems is a leader in providing services and supports for people with mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. The Chester County Holcomb Prevention department is located at the Holcomb corporate office in Exton, PA. Beth Bruton is the Prevention Manager and you can email her with any questions or comments at elizabeth.bruton@chimes.org 

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