NH's Strategy to Reduce Underage Alcohol Problems
Below are exerpts from, and a link to, the recently released report, New Hampshire's Strategy to Reduce Underage Alcohol Problems, a collaborative effort of New Futures, The NH Department of Health and Human Services, the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Treatment, the NH Alcohol and other Drug Providers Association, and many concerned citizens of all ages, interests and abilities.
What Do We Know about New Hampshire’s Youth and Alcohol?
Alcohol is our number one youth drug problem in New Hampshire. The research shows that almost one half of New Hampshire high school students—47 percent—report regular alcohol use.1
The question is often raised, “Should there be an urgency to address this issue or should underage drinking just be considered a rite of passage?” The answer is clear and straightforward—the scope and seriousness of underage alcohol problems are significant. Kids experience a different drinking environment today including how much, how frequently, and what they drink; the age at which they begin drinking; and the availability of alcohol.
• When underage youth consume alcohol, they consume a lot. One third—31 percent—of New Hampshire high school students report binge drinking, which is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks on one or more occasions in the last 30 days. 2
• In our state, alcohol use begins at a very young age. The risk of alcohol problems increases when drinking starts at an early age. In New Hampshire, more than 1 in 4 (26 percent) high school students had their first drink of alcohol before the age of 13.3 Youth who drink before they turn 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who start drinking at 21.4
• Parents underestimate drinking among their children. Research suggests that 3 percent of parents think that their high school student has had 5 or more drinks in a row in the past month, and more than 30 percent of high school students report this behavior.5
• Teenagers, especially girls, obtain alcohol easily from their friends, family, and other adults.6 In 2001, 30 percent of alcohol beverage outlets sold alcohol to minors.7
• Youth are drinking a wide range of alcoholic beverages. Teen girls report drinking alcopops, sweet tasting, fruit-flavored, malt-based drinks, more than other alcoholic drinks, whereas adult women age 21 or older rank alcopops as their least-consumed alcoholic beverage.8
• Kids see and hear alcohol-related images. A substantial portion of alcohol advertising reaches an underage audience. Research suggeststhat youth see more advertising for beer than for juice, gum, sneakers, or jeans.
Introduction from the NH Strategy to Reduce Underage Drinking Problems
Alcohol is our number one youth drug problem in New Hampshire. The research shows that almost one half of New Hampshire high schoolstudents—47 percent—report regular alcohol use. Working with our youth,we can do better to reduce the scope of the problem. Why do we believe we can solve this problem? Momentum at the national, state and local levels is leading the way. We can take this problem on and address it in a comprehensive way. How? With leadership from the Governor’s Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Treatment, commitment and guidance from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the growing strength and vitality of community coalitions, and more individuals recognizing the magnitude of this issue.
Working together, we have formulated a state strategy to reduce underage alcohol problems which leverages this growing energy and attention in a coordinated manner and lays out a road map for action. With recommendations designed to reduce underage alcohol problems across our state over the next three years, this State Strategy has been created by many—individuals, community coalitions and organizations, public health advocates, state officials, law enforcement, education professionals, and prevention and treatment providers from across the state.
This resource has been collectively developed as a tool for action to assist policymakers, parents, advocates, health care professionals, community leaders and organizations, and youth in proposing and implementing effective policies and strategies to reduce underage alcohol problems in our state. This plan outlines how, collectively, we can champion local- and statelevel action steps.
By not simply relying on a single approach but rather weaving together many strategies and best practices proven to reduce underage drinking, we can reach our goals of reducing the availability of alcohol to underage youth, the opportunities for underage youth to consume alcohol, and the demand for alcohol among underage youth.
This means getting people to understand how important this issue is not only for each of our own children, but also for the health, safety and economic wellbeing of all Granite Staters. To do this, we have generated recommendations in the following areas: public information; education; opportunities for limiting access; collaboration; and research and evaluation.
This state strategy is based on the recommendations contained in theNational Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine (IOM) landmark report, “Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility,” commissioned by Congress.
Together, we are committed to a comprehensive, broad-based approach to solving underage alcohol problems. We have ensured that this plan was not developed in a vacuum but rather reflects national best practices, the uniqueness of our state, and successful initiatives already underway throughout New Hampshire.
The charge for all of us is to take the next step—we must come together to develop and carry out a work plan with achievable and measurable activities and milestones to accomplish the objectives of the state strategy. This state strategy will need everyone to carry it forward. We are committed. Join us, won’t you?
Click on the link below to see the full report.