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The dangers of underage drinking

I am a parent of teens writing to tell other Sonoma Valley parents about a very useful guide that contains lots of practical information to help us keep our kids alcohol free.
 
Published by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, in conjunction with the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Advisory Board, the Underage Drinking in Sonoma County guide provides strategies to help parents have the conversation with our teens about drug and alcohol use.  Studies show children who learn about drug risks from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use alcohol.
 
The four-page guide also contains information from new research showing the damaging effects of alcohol on the developing teen brain. Alcohol affects a teenager’s brain differently than adults.  Alcohol use can seriously impair a teen’s memory, learning and impulse control. Teens are also at much greater risk of addiction. People who start drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol problems than those who start drinking after age 21.
 
Sonoma County consistently has teen drinking rates higher than the statewide average, so I urge parents to take advantage of this important resource. It only takes a few minutes to read, and can make a big difference in your teen’s life. The guide is available in English and Spanish and can be downloaded at sonoma-county.org/mcah.

Gina Cuclis, Member
Sonoma County Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Advisory Board
Sonoma

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