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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact: teresa.walters@usd253.org
620.341.2450

ARE YOU PARENTING FOR PREVENTION?

EMPORIA - Emporians for Drug Awareness is warning against loosening the rules about underage alcohol use during the holidays with a request for all parents to "Lock Up Your Liquor". Just as recent education and awareness events have centered on safeguarding other threats around the home - over- the-counter and prescription medications and products that could be used as inhalants - EDA wants parents to remember to keep their alcohol protected from the temptation of young people. Unfortunately, in addition to some parents unknowingly providing the supply of alcohol, some adults feel that holidays provide another excuse to overlook or allow the use of alcohol by youth. Again, the coalition warns that underage drinking is not a rite of passage. The potential consequences which include assault, date rape, contracting sexually transmitted diseases, car crashes, and injuries, can be permanent, life-altering events. Scientific research has shown that if a young person stays away from tobacco and alcohol until he or she reaches 20, the likelihood of ever suffering a chemical dependency problem is dramatically reduced. Parents hold the key to preventing the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youth by staying actively involved in their children's lives - including talking AND listening to them. Prevention takes more than a single conversation. Parents can and do make a difference in their children's lives. Parenting IS prevention.

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