New York Family Law Blog
Of the American teens between the ages of 12 and 14 who admit to drinking alcohol, 30% claim the alcohol came from their parents or other adults, said a New York Family Lawyer. He added that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in a survey taken by the National Household Surveys on Drug Use and Health from 2006 to 2009 discovered these findings.
The administration’s study also revealed that 709,000 American 12-to-14-year-olds have had at least one alcoholic drink in the last 30 days, which is more than 5% of that age’s population.
“People who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are six times more likely than those who start at age 21 and older to develop alcohol problems. Parents and other adults need to be aware that providing alcohol to children can expose them to an increased risk for alcohol abuse and set them on a path with increased potential for addiction.” An official from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said.
A New York Criminal Lawyer asked if providing these teens with booze truly increases their risk for alcoholism.
Studies connect young drinking to alcoholism in some cases but there is no solid proof.
Important factors to consider, according to Queens Family Lawyers, are whether or not children are growing up in a home with an alcoholic. Often times the genetics of alcoholics leads to more impulsive children, who are more likely to try drinking at an earlier age or aren’t supervised as well.
Other research indicates that teens that drink with their parents tend to have fewer alcohol-related problems than other kids. This, expert’s stress, is not the same as providing alcohol for a teen party. Drinking as a family at mealtime or in a religious atmosphere is associated with lower levels of drinking problems.
In another study in 2004 where 6,000 people were surveyed, it was clear that children who were exposed to alcohol with a parent were 30% less likely to binge drink than children who drank with no parental involvement or approval.
The SAMHSA hopes to send the clear message that treating alcohol as an “ineradicable evil” is more dangerous than taking away its novelty.
“Demystifying alcohol may be better for us than demonizing it,” the study concluded.
If you have a family law matter, it is important to speak with a skilled lawyer from Stephen Bilkis and Associates for advice and guidance. We will answer your questions and provide you with a free consultation. We have offices throughout New York City, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as Westchester County.