What You Can Say To Begin Talking About It

“I don’t want anything bad to happen to you or for you to hurt yourself.”
“We all count on you. What would we do if you were gone?”
“Look at everything you would miss out on. Alcohol can ruin your future and your chances to keep your drivers’ license, graduate, go to college, get a job, etc…”
“What can I do to help you? I am here to support you.”
“Are you feeling pressure to drink? Let’s talk about it.”
“I care about you and I won’t give up on you.”
“If you need professional help or you need an adult to talk to, I can help you find someone. I will be here to help you and support you every step of the way.”

The APNA 2009 Survey conducted in the Benton County Schools reveals the prevalence of underage drinking vs. the Arkansas state average.

Sources of Alcohol
1) At Home WITH Parents’ Permission
6th Grade= Benton County 24.4%; State Average 17.1%
8th Grade= Benton County 13.4%; State Average 15.2%
10th Grade= Benton County 15.5%; State Average 11.9%
12th Grade= Benton County 12.4%; State Average 8.8%

2) At Home WITHOUT Parents’ Permission
6th Grade= Benton County 7.0%; State Average 9.8%
8th Grade= Benton County 15.3%; State Average 12.8%
10th Grade= Benton County 9.4%; State Average 7.4%
12th Grade= Benton County 3.1%; 2.45

Location of Alcohol Use
1) My Home
6th Grade= Benton County 64.9%; State Average 49.3%
8th Grade= Benton County 40.8%; State Average 39.0%
10th Grade= Benton County 31.8%; State Average 27.8%
12th Grade= Benton County 24.3%; State Average 20.8%

2) Someone Else’s Home
6th Grade= Benton County 18.6%; State Average 26.5%
8th Grade= Benton County 41.2%; State Average 41.3%
10th Grade= Benton County 54.1%; State Average 53.2%
12th Grade= Benton County 62.3%; State Average 60.2%