Press Release

Underage Drinking and Teen Sexuality

Amy Claussen M.Ed.

Underage drinking and teen sexual activity are two topics that most parents and adults would prefer to never think about (let alone talk about); and even more so when the topics are combined in the same sentence. I can’t say that I blame them; these two topics can be pretty scary. However, regardless of the fear factor, it is our job as adults to stay aware of these critical issues, especially ones that so directly affect our youth.

Let’s take a moment to look at some local data regarding youth alcohol and drug abuse. According to the Healthy Youth Survey results from 2006, it is very clear that many of the youth in Kittitas County (grades 6-12) are actively using drugs and alcohol on a consistent basis. In 2006 nearly 1 in 4 high school students reported binge drinking behaviors (5 or more drinks in one sitting), 1 in 5 students reported coming to school drunk or high, 1 in 10 high school students reported using prescription drugs to get high and roughly 1 in 5 high school students are currently using tobacco.

It probably isn’t a big shock to anyone that numerous national studies have also shown the correlation between adolescent drug and alcohol abuse and increased risky sexual activity. Risky behaviors such as: the early onset of sexual activity (before the age of 16), multiple partners and unprotected intercourse, which clearly puts them at risk for unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and the life-threatening virus HIV (The American Academy of Pediatrics).

· Teens who report drinking alcohol on at least one occasion are seven times more likely to have had sexual intercourse than nondrinkers.

· Binge drinkers, like those who have ever used drugs, are three times more likely to have contracted an STD than nonproblem drinkers and nondrug users.

· Alcohol is more closely linked to sexual violence than any other drug and is a common companion to rape, including date rape. Alcohol use, by the victim, the perpetrator or both, is implicated in 46 to 75 percent of date rapes of college students.

· Source: The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, Dangerous Liaisons: Substance Abuse and Sex, 1999.

Parents are the greatest source of education for their children to learn healthy and positive messages about life, and in particular drugs, alcohol and sexual activity. There are so many teachable moments in a day that can be taken advantage of; we just need to have the courage and strength to do it. In fact, most children report that they want their parents to talk to them about these issues, but few have had parents who started the conversation.

Having taught numerous parenting classes to many nervous parents wishing to speak to their kids about sex, here is my advice to you: Take the risk and start the conversation. If you are uneasy, welcome to the club, you are not alone! Create the opportunity to speak to your children about your values and morals and your family’s expectations of them. Be ready to listen to your child and discuss their concerns. Of course the conversations may be uncomfortable, but I am confident that we love our children more than any discomfort that conversation will bring.

Amy Claussen is the Director of Education and Training at Planned Parenthood of Central Washington.

The Kittitas County Community Network/Drug Free Communities Coalition and the Community Network agency, through a federal Drug Free Communities grant, are implementing the “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” campaign as a community service for parents. For more information go to www.kccn-dfc.com.