ORANGE, Calif.—Alcohol is the drug of choice for most teens, experts report.  In fact, teens use alcohol more frequently and heavily than all other illicit drugs combined.  In an effort to combat underage drinking, Chapman Medical Center’s Positive Action Center (PAC) is providing a substance-abuse program to help teens stay sober.  It is the county’s only adolescent acute-care, hospital-based substance abuse treatment center. 

“For most, alcohol is a way to fit in socially.  Teens tend to be risk-takers and using alcohol seems exciting,” said Mike Darnold, Manager Community Relations for the Positive Action Center.  “It is our responsibility to educate teens and their parents about the dangers of underage drinking and the long-term affects it will have on their lives.”

Over the years, alcohol and drug abuse has become the leading cause of teen death or injury related car accidents, suicides, violence and drownings.

Darnold explains that a teen does not have to drink everyday or even large amounts to have a problem with alcohol.  Alcohol abuse can eventually lead to dependence, which results in the physical and emotional addiction to alcohol. 

Teens that are most at risk are those with a family history of alcohol abuse, feeling unvalued by their family and teens with poor self-esteem or emotional issues.  In addition, the long-term effects of alcohol use in teens can lead to difficulties in building meaningful relationships or holding a job.

“At the end of the day, the best way to help a child is to talk to them about drugs and alcohol at an early age and provide appropriate discipline and supervision,” said Darnold.  “If a teen feels that substance abuse is taken lightly they are more likely to experiment with stronger forms of drugs and alcohol.”

The PAC’s tips for prevention include:

·Creating strong family connections with your teen

·Healthy friendships

·A supportive school and community

·Community involvement