Become Part of the Solution
The information here will help you understand the issues regarding the potential impacts of alcohol use, what's being done about it, and encourage you to become part of the solution.

Posted April 2013

MADD Analysis Confirms:  “Taking Away the Keys Doesn’t Take Away the Risks”

How many times have we heard from well-meaning parents and other adults, “We’ll let them party here, we’ll just take away the car keys so they can’t drive”? And yet allowing our underage youth to party in our homes gives them the message that it is okay to drink, just don’t drink and drive. Read more

Posted December 2012

Let’s stop teen drinking tragedies
By Sharon Foster and Michael Langer

The recent deaths of three Washington teens—a 14-year-old Bellingham girl, a 17-year-old boy in Shoreline, and an 18-year-old Washington State University student —remind us just how dangerous alcohol is for minors. As parents and co-chairs of the Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking our hearts go out to the families and friends who are suffering these terrible losses. Read more

Posted September 2012

Getting Your Child Ready for School
Getting ready to go back to school can be a time of excitement as kids look forward to being back with their friends and all the activities and opportunities that school brings. It can be a time of sadness, knowing that the freedom of summer is coming to an end. And it can be a time of anxiety, wondering, “Will I fit in? Will I make new friends? Will I like my teachers? Will I be successful?”  Read more

Posted March 2012

Tips for a Safe Spring Break
To most teenagers Spring Break simply means a week off from school and a time to have fun.  Whether it is teaming up with some friends for an exciting road trip, playing a ton of video games, or even partying at a friend’s house where alcohol and other drugs may be present, our teens will find a way to have a good time during spring break. Read more...
 

Posted August 2011

New Parent Helpline
A new parent helpline, launched by The Partnership at Drugfree.org, is a valuable resource for parents and caregivers who learn that their teen is using alcohol or other drugs. Staffed by trained counselors, the helpline uses proven techniques to guide parents in everything from effective communication to finding the help that is needed. For more information on this resources, please go to www.drugfree.org.
 

Posted June 2011
'Social Hosting' is Personal for LCB Employee and MADD Volunteer
Stacey Rhodes, an employee at the Washington State Liquor Control Board, spends much of her free time as a volunteer with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). She recently appeared on the HLN Network’s current events show "Dr. Drew," to discuss a topic that changed her family forever: social hosting. Read more...

Posted June 2011
The Underage Drinking Epidemic (Parade Magazine)
Binge drinking has become more common with teens, leading to risky and even dangerous behaviors. Parade Magazine explores this topic in its June 12, 2011 edition. Read more...

 
Posted February 2011
Teen Girls More Vulnerable to Alcohol and Drug Use
Teenage girls are at higher risk for drinking and drug use because they are more likely than teenage boys to perceive potential benefits from use. This is according to data from a survey sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America® and the MetLife Foundation.  Read more...
 

Updated December 2010
The Mix With Dangerous Risks: Energy Drinks and Alcohol
Medical and scientific research suggests that alcohol and energy drinks create a dangerous mix - especially for youth. People who mix alcohol and energy drinks may feel less drunk than they really are, which could lead to overconsumption and dangerous behaviors. Read more...

Parents – The No. 1 Influence
Parents who stay involved in their children’s lives and who set clear limits and expectations can influence their children’s choices not to use alcohol. Here are some simple steps you can take to encourage your child to remain alcohol-free.