Fighting underage alcohol abuse

March 25, 2008

ST. GEORGE - Together with the Dixie College Wellness Center and Utah Highway Patrol, the Southwest Center hosted an event Monday night that promoted the "parents empowered campaign" to fight the use of alcohol among teenagers.

Teresa Willie, prevention coordinator in Washington County, said this is the first year they created an activity for the entire family.


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"We thought instead of having community leaders sit and brainstorm. ... it would be a better idea to have the families come out, build skills, bond with each other and gather resources," Willie said.

There were bouncing castles, food, drinks and booths with information that provided different resources addressing underage drinking.
The biggest part of the "parents empowered campaign" is encouraging families to eat dinner together.

"What we've learned about families and family bonding is that families communicate better when they eat together," Willie said. "It's more of a social time than an eating time."

Lanora Nielson, prevention specialist at Dixie College Wellness Center, was also at the event. She said what she does at the college is provide information and education about substance abuse.

"We wanted to participate because we're very much into prevention," she said.

Nielson said the event is meant to raise awareness.

"Many parents don't realize how important it is to talk to kids often about the inherent dangers of drugs and alcohol," she said. "A lot of times it's a 'wait for them to ask me,' but kids tend to ask their peers."

Nielson added this event brings the conversation out into the open.

Karen Chamberlain, St. George, was there with her two grandsons, ages 12 and 8.

"I usually do family home evening with my two grandsons and thought this would be a good activity," she said.

Chamberlain added alcohol is made to look so popular and kids get into it before they know what it's really about.

"I've seen the effects alcohol can have on a family," she said. "There's better ways to handle your problems and better ways to have fun."

Andre Hansen, 15, said a teacher from school told him to come by and check it out.

"I never have drank alcohol and I don't plan on it," he said. "It's horrible for you. I've seen people go through it and it ruins their lives."


Link: http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080325/NEWS01/803250308