WASHINGTON, June 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The vast majority of underage drinkers are obtaining alcohol from non-commercial sources and are drinking it in their home or in someone else's home, according to a new study released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
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The report, "Underage Alcohol Use: Findings from the 2002-2006 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health," marks the first time the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health asked detailed questions about the behavior and social situations involved in underage drinking.
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"In far too many instances parents directly enable their children's underage drinking - in essence encouraging them to risk their health and wellbeing. Proper parental guidance alone may not be the complete solution to this devastating public health problem - but it is a critical part.," said Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H. in releasing the report.
Some of the key findings include:
Distilled Spirits Council President Peter Cressy stated that this study's findings on sources of youth alcohol access are mirrored by research by the National Academy of Sciences and the Federal Trade Commission, which both found that youth primarily obtain alcohol from social sources including parents or adult family members and friends.
"While parents may believe they have no impact on their teens' behavior, this study once again underscores that parental involvement is key to the decisions underage make about drinking or not drinking," said Cressy. "Our country is making important progress in preventing and reducing underage drinking but much more needs to be done. Parents and the entire community working together can make a difference."
Cressy stated that over the years, the distilled spirits industry has supported evidenced-based programs and tools aimed at helping parents address alcohol with their teens. He pointed to the industry's health care professional education materials for families, the award-winning programs of The Century Council, www.centurycouncil.org, a not-for-profit organization funded by America's leading distillers, and the industry's partnership with the Federal Trade Commission on its campaign to prevent underage drinking, "We Don't Serve Teens" (www.dontserveteens.com) that is also part of SAMHSA's campaign materials.
Links to:
The SAMHSA Press Release (http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0806250013.aspx)
SAMHSA Report (http://oas.samhsa.gov/underage2k8/toc.htm)
Distilled Spirits Council is the trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States.
Website: http://www.distilledspirits.org
-- Ninety percent of underage drinkers were either given alcohol for free or had someone else purchase it for them.
SOURCE Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
