Alcohol and Parental Responsibility

I became familiar with the routine during my years as a high school counselor. Our school had a zero tolerance policy when it came to drugs and alcohol, both on and off campus. First offense: there would be consequences, but we would work to help the student. Second time offenders were told they had to withdraw as students. Still students regularly flirted with the policy. This time of year it was especially rampant. Seniors, anticipating the end of their high school career, were especially susceptible. Kids and alcohol: It's always been a dance with death.

A recent report by the Parentship at Drugfree.org (www.drugfree.org)confirms that teens continue to show a casual,even carefree, attitude when it comes to alcohol. Researchers surveyed 2,544 random teens nation-wide. When questioned about the risk of drinking, 45% said they, "didn't see it to be a big deal." 68% of teens polled reported that they had consumed alcohol. The average age for the first experience was 14. Furthermore, 25% admitted that they had smoked marijuana within the last month, indicating that use of that illegal substance is common as well. Parents who think it's not a problem and that their kids are not vulnerable are naive. It's a sure bet, your kids are going to be exposed to marijuana and drinking among their peers before they graduate from high school.

Alcohol and marijuana are both gateway drugs. Gateway drugs are habit forming substances whose use could lead to abuse of drugs that are more addictive and dangerous. My experience is that kids who consume alcohol are susceptible to making poor decisions. Coupled with the fact that the adolescent brain is poorly equipped to make good decisions and you can see the potential risk. When it comes to marijuana, it exposes kids to a culture whose singular goal is to get them addicted. Remember, marijuana is still illegal and the people who want to sell them marijuana will be happy to sell them something that will provide "just a little bigger high,"

Parents play a significant role when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Mom and dad are both consultants and role models. They are consultants when they discuss the issue with their teens and help them establish ground rules. The importance of being a role model is just as vital. Kids are watching. That means monitoring your own alcohol consumption and making sure that if alcohol is involved there is a designated driver.

During my time at Lutheran High School of Dallas I often used Jerry Rhoades, a Dallas Police narcotics detective, as a resource. Jerry was especially good at challenging kids to "step up to the plate" when it came to their parent's drinking. He would pointedly tell them, "If you are out to dinner with your parents and they consume alcohol, ask for the car keys." If they are telling you to not get into a car with someone who has been drinking, that should include mom and dad.