The Dangers of Underage Drinking

By: Andrew Doud/Eyewitness News 9 | WNCT
Published: April 10, 2008

Statistics show many teenagers start drinking alcohol around age 16 but it's not legal until you're 21. Tonight the Coastal Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention raised awareness to people at a Boys and Girls Club in Craven County of the dangers of underage drinking.

Eleanor Johnston, with the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission said, "Alcohol is not the hot topic but it needs to be. It's the hot problem."

That’s why she was educating both students and parents about the dangers of alcohol.

Johnston said, “Don't make a big deal out of it, don't make it some forbidden fruit because if you tell them no absolutely not, what’s the first thing you think they're going to do?"

Instead, she encouraged parents to talk to their kids every chance they get.

“Remember you’re not their friend you're their parent," said Johnston.

Evelyn Feliciano, the mother of a 14 year old daughter, said she learned something.

“Alcohol was not my main concern, it was more smoking and drugs," Feliciano said.

Johnston hopes the information, facts, and even the statistics she provided will help kids make smarter, more informed decisions.

For 16 year old Joshua Gonzalez, it all boils down to common sense.

Gonzalez said, "If you know it's not good for you and it's not going to do any thing, don't do it."

For Johnston, the younger they're taught about the dangers of drinking, the less likely they are to become a statistic.

This is one of four town meetings being held in the area. Along with Craven County, this same task force is educating folks in Carteret, Jones, Pamlico Counties.