In April, the Berrien County Health Department is emphasizing the dangers of underage drinking during Alcohol Awareness Month. According to data from the 2021-2022 Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth, 16% of high school students in Berrien County have reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.
Lisa Peeples-Hurst, the Public Health Promotions and Prevention Supervisor for the department, has been working to address substance abuse issues for over two decades. She notes that children in the county are beginning to experiment with substances at a very young age, with the average age of first substance use being 11 years old.
Peeples-Hurst stresses the importance of parents talking to their children about the dangers of underage drinking, especially as social media often portrays drinking in a positive light. Starting alcohol consumption at a young age can lead to various issues, such as school, social, legal, and physical problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s crucial for parents to be aware of signs that their child may be misusing substances, such as changes in behavior, withdrawal, and secrecy.
Underage drinking can also have long-term effects on mental health, increase the likelihood of using other substances, and lead to health complications later in life. Peeples-Hurst urges parents to have conversations with their children early on to prevent these issues. For more information on preventing underage drinking and substance abuse
