Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) and the Copper Corridor Coalition working with the Substance Awareness Coalition Leaders of Arizona (SACLAZ) would like to provide some information on the dangers of underage drinking. This coincides with the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week which is observed March 18-24, 2025. This is an annual event that focuses on the science of drug use and addiction and educates and empowers youth to make informed decisions about substance use and their health.
This is an excellent opportunity for parents and caregivers to talk with their youth about their expectations regarding alcohol and drug use. Did you know that parents are the leading influence on their kids’ decision to drink or not to drink? Take this opportunity to start the conversation.
Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the function of the brain. Alcohol can interfere with normal brain development in our children and adolescents. Your child’s brain is not fully developed until they are about 25 years old. The harm from underage drinking can alter the development of the areas of their brain related to learning, memory, and judgement. In general, underage drinking can lead your child to make poor decisions and engage in risky/harmful behavior that can result in a variety of serious consequences such as injuries, legal trouble and even death.
Protect, Don’t Provide
Underage drinking is not a rite of passage; it’s against the law. In Arizona, providing alcohol to a minor is a class 1 misdemeanor. It is not “cool” to host parties or gatherings where underage drinking occurs. As a host, you can be held legally responsible for any injuries caused by an underage person who consumes alcohol in your home. Protect your kids: don’t provide them with alcohol.
You who start drinking before age 15 are 3.5 times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder in their lifetime than people who start drinking at or after age 21.
What can you do?
- Talk to your child about the real cost of drinking alcohol.
- Protect. Don’t provide.
- Get tips on how to talk to your kids about alcohol at TalkNowAZ.com.
AZYP offers more information on underage drinking for youth and parents. If you are interested in receiving more information please contact Emilia Rutledge at AZYP Emilia@azyp.org or Darien Mathews at AZYP Darien@azyp.org Here are some resources that may be helpful.
Statewide Resources
- 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline. Available 24/7. Free, confidential treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish)
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). The Ash Line. Call to speak with counselors who are trained to help smokers quit.
- My Life, My Quit. Get online support and a personalized quit plan. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072* or call 1-855-891-9989 or visit az.mylifemyquit.org.
- FindTreatment.gov. Find treatment resources in your area.
- DrugFree.org. Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Peer support for parents and caregivers. Text “JOIN” to 55753 to get help and hope by text.
- TalkNowAZ.com. Get tips on talking with youth about substance abuse.
Youth Resources
- My Life, My Quit. Get online support and a personalized quit plan. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072* or call 1-855-891-9989 or visit az.mylifemyquit.org.
- This is Quitting. A free text-based support service for people who want to quit vaping. Text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709. Available 24/7.
- Smokefree TXT for Teens. Free text message programs that give tips and advice on how to quit using tobacco products. Text “QUIT” to 47878. Available 24/7.
- Smoke Free Teen. teen.smokefree.gov. Offers live online support and chat for those who want to quit tobacco products and vaping.
- 1-800-248-TEEN (8336). Teen Lifeline. Available 24/7. Arizona support line for teens, operated by teens.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Available 24/7. Helps individuals in suicidal crisis.
- Teen Line. 1-800-TLC-TEEN. Text “TEEN” to 839863 to speak with another teen. Provides peer-to-peer emotional support and resources from highly trained teens.
- LearnMoreAZ.org. Get the facts on vaping and other substances.