The Single Most Important Preventive Measure

Why It’s So Important To Avoid Giving Teens Alcohol and Drugs.

“Did you know that teens who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin at 21?” – NIAA

This sounds like a no-brainer: “Don’t give kids alcohol.”

But then you remember the parents (and it may have been your own parents, or your philosophy) that intentionally expose their own kids to drinking alcohol inside their homes.

Their theory, typically, sounds something like this: “We want to teach them how to drink responsibly because we know they’re going to drink a lot, especially when they go off on their own. So we’re going to teach them how to drink responsibly.” 

While that sounds like cogent logic, unfortunately, it is completely debunked by science.

Kids who are initiated early to drinking are drastically more prone to experiencing a lifelong struggle with addiction and substance abuse problems. It’s a fact proven in multiple ways by multiple studies.

Throughout the many years and research studies on substance abuse prevention, one initiative has emerged over and over again as the single most important preventive measure: delay a kid’s first drink. 

As researchers reported in 2019, “Using drugs and alcohol at an early age has been associated with multiple problems later in life such as negative health, social, and behavioral outcomes…early substance initiation has been identified as a [Risk Factor] for injection drug use, binge drinking, hazardous levels of alcohol consumption and drug use.”

We all know we can’t control our teenagers, even in the best circumstances. They’re going to do what they’re going to do, even if we have every guardrail we can imagine set up to protect them.

But, armed with this important insight, we can be extra intentional about their teen years.

Need extra support to help teens make healthy choices? We’ve got you covered. Sign up for our weekly emails, the Natural High Essentials, for simple tips, resources, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here.

Natural High’s Storytellers, Kelly Slater and Chad Caruso, offer powerful examples of how passion and determination can lead to a fulfilling, drug-free life.

Their stories highlight the importance of finding and pursuing a natural high – an activity or pursuit that brings joy, purpose, and focus – while steering clear of drugs and alcohol.

Sharing these kinds of positive stories with kids can really make a difference. When they see examples of people making healthy choices, it helps them realize that staying away from drugs and alcohol is totally normal – and even cool.

Kelly Slater, an 11-time World Surf League Champion, is widely regarded as one of the greatest surfers of all time. Growing up near the ocean, Kelly discovered early on that surfing provided not only an adrenaline rush but also a sense of clarity and peace. Instead of turning to drugs or alcohol, Kelly channeled his energy into perfecting his craft, showing that passion can fuel success and happiness.

In his story, Kelly has also opened up about learning of his grandfather’s struggles with alcohol addiction, which reinforced his decision to stay focused and avoid substances that could jeopardize his goals. Through his story, Kelly inspires kids to chase their dreams, stay focused, and avoid the distractions that can derail their potential.

Chad Caruso, a skateboarder and YouTuber, has a personal story of overcoming addiction. Chad’s life took a transformative turn when he decided to get sober and embrace skateboarding as his outlet and motivator.

By setting ambitious goals—such as skating 3,000 miles across the U.S.—he demonstrates the power of resilience and the importance of finding a positive purpose. His story resonates with young people, showing that it’s possible to turn struggles into triumphs and live a healthy, substance-free life.

Both Kelly and Chad prove that by pursuing their natural highs, they’ve not only achieved greatness but also built lives of meaning and impact.

Here is what you can do specifically:

• Share this information with the kids in your life
• Explain why you give them curfews or check in on their location
• Explain why you want to get to know their friends and their parents
• Be willing to have an awkward conversation with parents of your kid’s friends — let them know where you stand about underage drinking and the importance of delaying drinking
• Be willing to restrict your kid from spending time at someone else’s home where underage drinking is allowed or encouraged

Look, parenting and education is about the long haul. What we do with and for our kids as they grow up will bear fruit in their lives for decades to come.

We want them to have every opportunity to avoid experiences that can have devastating consequences for their future wellbeing.

If you found this article helpful, share it with other parents or educators.