Public health officials warn of July 4 holiday teen drinking injuries

Emergency room visits caused by underage drinking are disturbing at any level. But public health officials warn that the usual number of such injuries nearly double during the July 4 holiday weekend. Group parties, combined with too little supervision, equal serious injury for too many teens, public health officials say. A study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that underage drinking-related visits to emergency rooms are 87 percent higher during the July 4 weekend than they are for an average day during the rest of July.

According to the public health report, an average July day across the nation sees 502 emergency room visits due to binge drinking and other underage drinking problems. During the three-day holiday weekend, however, that number jumps to 938. And while some teenagers may view their own drinking as a sign of independence, public health officials say the consequences of their actions take a serious toll on young people during the nation's Independence Day celebration.

"Underage drinking is not a harmless right of passage. It has far-reaching consequences. In addition to emergency department visits, injuries, arrests and embarrassment, 5,000 deaths in people under age 21 are linked to alcohol each year," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. She urges parents to talk to their kids - even those approaching and surpassing the legal age limit - to help them understand consequences of drinking and to help them make better choices. "Parents are a leading influence in their children's decision to avoid alcohol," she added.

To make that job a little easier, the public health officials at SAMHSA have put together information to help parents with the difficult conversations. According to public health officials, 40 percent of young people have tried alcohol by the time they are in the 8th grade. Curiosity may be natural, but it can be countered with honest conversation, SAMHSA folks say. They have titled their action plan "Talk Early. Talk Often. Get Others Involved."  Public health officials say one of the most effective means of getting kids to stay away from alcohol is to talk to them about it before they ever try it. And for some kids, that can be as young as 9 years old. And, public health officials say, you should keep talking. The temptations only get stronger - and the opportunities more numerous - the older kids get. Also, involve trusted members of the greater community to reinforce the message.

Happy Independence Day weekend to you and yours. Let's all celebrate - smartly.

Photo Credit: MJ Cobweb