Q. I am concerned that my kids may be at higher risk for developing alcohol-related problems if they start drinking at a very young age. What are the risks?

A. Some children are more likely than others to develop alcohol-related problems. Kids at highest risk are those who:

* Begin using alcohol or other drugs before the age of 15
* Have a parent who is a problem drinker or an alcoholic
* Have close friends who use alcohol and/or other drugs
* Have been aggressive, antisocial, or hard to control from an early age
* Have experienced childhood abuse and/or other major traumas
* Have current behavioral problems and/or are failing at school
* Have parents who do not support them, do not communicate openly with them, and do not keep track of their behavior or whereabouts
* Experience ongoing hostility/rejection from parents and/or harsh, inconsistent discipline

The more of these experiences a child has had, the greater the chances that he or she will develop problems with alcohol. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that your child definitely will develop a drinking problem. It does suggest that you may need to act now to help protect your youngster from later problems. Delaying the onset of drinking is certainly a good place to start!

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So now you know why the reasons why some teenagers tend to drink lets go over ways for you to help deter them from using alcohol. Read some of the different methods that have worked for parents over the last 2 decades.

7 Easy Steps - These 7 steps should help you be as prepared as possible to help deter your children from underage drinking.

* Set a good example for your children regarding the use of alcohol.
* Encourage your children to talk with you about their problems and concerns.
* Get to know your children's friends and discuss ways your children can avoid drinking when they are feeling pressured by peers.
* Talk to other parents about ways to send a consistent, clear message that underage drinking is not acceptable behavior or a "rite of passage."
* Encourage your children to participate in supervised activities and events that are challenging, fun and alcohol free.
* Learn the warning signs that indicate your children may be drinking and act promptly to get help.
* Make sure you're at home for all your children's parties and be sure those parties are alcohol free.

Info brought to you by www.parentingisprevention.org

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Alcohol is often used with marijuana to prolong the marijuana "high". The combination accounts for more than half of the marijuana-related hospital emergency room cases. The combination enhances the impairment to motor skills, perception and memory. It can cause changes in heart rate and breathing. Marijuana also inhibits the body's natural vomiting reflex when too much alcohol is consumed. This can increase the chances of alcohol poisoning.

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As a parent, you need all the support you can get. If there's work to be done in your state legislature, gather a group (PTA, community coalition, parent group or community group) and get to work contacting your representatives. Let them know what you want. They work for you!

States and Territories WITH Dram Shop Laws(43)

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New, Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

States and Territories WITHOUT Dram Shop Laws(8)

Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Virginia