Alcohol use by young people is extremely dangerous - both to themselves and society at large. Underage alcohol use is associated with traffic fatalities, violence, unsafe sex, suicide, educational failure, and other problem behaviors that diminish the prospects of future success, as well as health risks â€" and the earlier teens start drinking, the greater the danger. Despite these serious concerns, the media continues to make drinking look attractive to youth, and it remains possible and even easy for teenagers to get access to alcohol. Why is this dangerous behavior so pervasive? What can be done to prevent it? What will work and who is responsible for making sure it happens? Reducing Underage Drinking addresses these questions and proposes a new way to combat underage alcohol use. It explores the ways in which may different individuals and groups contribute to the problem and how they can be enlisted to prevent it. Reducing Underage Drinking will serve as both a game plan and a call to arms for anyone with an investment in youth health and safety.

The Gallup Youth Survey has found that more than 80 percent of high school seniors have tried alcohol and that roughly a quarter of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 say it is very easy for them to get alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is a contributor to the three leading causes of death for teens and young adults: automobile crashes, homicides, and suicides. This volume explores several issues facing young people, including binge drinking and cross-addiction.

This volume reviews a range of empirically supported approaches to prevention and treatment of adolescent substance use problems. The focus is on motivationally based brief interventions that can be delivered in a variety of contexts, that address key developmental considerations, and that draw on cutting-edge knowledge on addictive behavior change. From expert contributors, coverage encompasses alcohol skills training; integrative behavioral and family therapy; motivational interviewing; interventions for dually diagnosed youth; Internet-based education, prevention, and treatment; and applications to HIV prevention. The volume is extensively referenced and includes numerous clinical illustrations and vignettes.

Basic facts about drinking in America, teen usage, and warning si gns of alcoholism are presented in this readable, unbiased text.

Accompanied by a DVD of an HBO documentary entitled: Smashed--toxic tales of teens and alcohol.

Across the United States, in small towns and major cities, in suburbs and slums, in public and private schools, thousands of kids are experimenting with drugs. Many of them will become addicts; some will die. The first and only book to focus entirely on adolescent alcohol and other drug use, Teens Under the Influence addresses the immediate dangers that threaten these kids—exploring the short- and long-term effects of their addiction and giving parents solid, sensitive, practical advice to combat this growing epidemic. Knowledge is the key to defeating drug addictions, and that is what this comprehensive, timely new book provides. Full of candid true stories from adolescent drug users, with facts based on the most recent scientific research, Teens Under the Influence tells you exactly what you need to know to deal with your child’s problem, covering such important topics as • The common myths and misconceptions about drug addiction • The crucial differences between adult and adolescent dependency • The reasons kids get hooked • The stages of adolescent addiction • The different kinds of drugs kids use and combine • Various treatment options and how to choose the best treatment for your child • Strategies for handling relapses Teens Under the Influence offers practical help that may save your child’s life. It may save the life of a friend. And it may save your own.

" ... Arms adults with facts and strategies for working with teens to overcome the dangers of this difficult time in life. Here you'll find advice for how and when to talk about drinking, impaired driving, sex, drug use, depression, suicide, and bullying"--Jacket.