April 2025
- Mental Health & Recovery Services Board
- 14 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Alcohol Awareness Month
Youth Drinking Is Down, But We Still Need to Talk
Across the country, fewer kids are drinking alcohol. A recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that most teens are using fewer substances than before the pandemic. That’s good news! But in our area, we still see some problems.
Many local students think their parents don’t care if they drink. They are more likely to believe their parents think it’s “not wrong at all” or only “a little bit wrong” to have 1-2 drinks of an alcoholic beverage daily compared to the rest of Ohio. At the same time, more adults in our rural counties binge drink compared to the state average.
Even with drinking going down nationwide, kids still need strong messages at home. And that starts with you. Parents and guardians have the biggest influence on their child’s decision to drink or not. Kids notice how much their parents drink. Aim to set a healthy example for them with your alcohol use. They also need help getting ready for situations where alcohol is present.
You can talk to your child about alcohol at any age. Here are some tips:
Ages 3–5
Young kids want to make you proud. Teach them what is safe and what is not. Help them understand that dangerous substances like alcohol and cleaning products should never go into their bodies.
Ages 6–10
Children at this age watch what adults do. Be honest. Say that alcohol is not safe for kids. Let them ask questions. Share what you expect.
Middle School
During these years, children may assert their independence and question your authority. It's crucial to have open conversations about alcohol. Keep discussions focused on the present, as the future may seem distant to them. Explain how using alcohol can spoil the fun of school and friendships. Practice with them what they can say when a friend offers them alcohol.
High School
Teenagers still care about your opinion even if they act like they don’t. Clearly express that you do not want them to drink. Keep the focus on current activities, such as how drinking can affect school performance or sports participation. Be direct and show concern—say things like, "I’ve noticed you're not showering," or "Your grades have dropped." Also, show your love by hugging your child and saying, "I love you." Provide lots of praise; your child needs to hear the "good stuff,” too.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present. Visit letstalk.care for more tips and videos.
Need Extra Help? Try the I Mind Program
If you’re worried about your child’s choices, the MHRSB can help. The I Mind Program is a one-day, 4-hour class for youth. It’s offered on Saturdays and weekdays, with classes available for grades 9-12 and 7-8.
Covers alcohol, vaping, smoking, marijuana, and more
Includes a short screening. Parents get the results, not the school
Helps students return to school or after-school programs
Parents can refer their child even before any school rules are broken. Learn more at wecarepeople.org/imindprogram.
Check In on Your Drinking
Alcohol is part of many social settings, but for some adults, drinking becomes more frequent or harder to manage than expected. One in six adults in the U.S. binge drinks, according to the CDC. That means they drink a lot in a short amount of time. In Ohio, alcohol misuse leads to serious health problems, injuries, and even death. It’s important to pause and look at your drinking habits. A small change now can protect your health later.
Signs you may be drinking too much:
You drink more or longer than you meant to
You need more alcohol to feel the same effects
You spend a lot of time drinking or thinking about drinking
Drinking makes you feel anxious or depressed, or worsens another health problem
Friends or family have expressed concern about your drinking
You’ve tried to cut back but haven’t been able to
Alcohol interferes with work, relationships, or daily responsibilities
You’ve had legal or financial problems due to drinking
You experience withdrawal symptoms like shakiness, sweating, or insomnia when you don’t drink
Ways to check your alcohol use:
Set a daily and weekly limit
Track how much you drink each day
Write down your limit and keep it visible
Avoid situations or triggers that lead you to drink
Talk to your doctor about your alcohol use
Ask a friend or family member to support your goals
Not sure where to start? Take a free, anonymous check-in at wecarepeople.org/screening. It's paid for by public funding, making it yours to use whenever you need it. Based on your screening results, you might be given local resources to contact when you're ready.
Help is available. Recovery is possible. You can find local and national support at FindTreatment.gov, FindSupport.gov, or by calling the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime, or call the local HOPEline at 1-800-567-4673 (Hope).
We Care Conversations
The second episode of MHRSB's podcast is available now! In this episode, we dive into the unique mental health challenges faced by rural communities and explore the services available to support recovery. Joined by Jami Dellifield, a rural resident and mental health authority, we uncover the realities of rural mental health, discuss accessible resources, and share insights on overcoming barriers to care in remote areas. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on resilience and hope beyond the city limits.
Healing Beyond the Fields: Rural Mental Health Unveiled
Upcoming Events
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board, along with our partner agencies, host events and awareness campaigns throughout the year. Check out upcoming events for spring 2025!
Be Seen with Green 2025
Mental Health Awareness Month is almost here! Get ready to help your Mental Health & Recovery Services Board raise awareness by participating in Be Seen with Green. Show your green any day in May.
Don't forget to send us your photos in an email to wecarepeople2012@gmail.com or through a Facebook message! We'll share them to our social to help raise even more awareness for mental health. Share your photos all month long in May!
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