Binge Drinking

Issue:
According to the 2004 Texas School Survey, 23 percent of middle and high school students reported binge drinking. How does your campus compare? Do students understand the risks of binge drinking?

Statistics:

• The Texas Department of State Health Services sponsors the Texas School Survey.
• The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a binge drinking fact sheet.
• Hadenough.org includes facts and student stories about binge drinking on college campuses.
• The American Medical Association sponsors an initiative to reduce high-risk drinking among youths.

Interview candidates:

• Interview a local doctor or emergency room worker about youth alcohol use.
• Contact the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission office closest to you.
• Interview your local police chief or sheriff.
• Talk to a counselor at a substance abuse treatment center. What percentage of the center’s clients have alcohol-related problems?

© 2004 TooYoungToDrink.com and The Alliance Against Underage Drinking.