Alcohol and Underage Use
Alcohol
Our words and actions regarding alcohol and underage drinking impact our children's thoughts and decisions regarding alcohol use. While alcohol consumption is legal for people over the age of 21, there are things we can do to protect youth from underage drinking. This page contains information to help you understand the risks our children are facing today and what you, as a parent, caregiver, or concerned member of the community can do to support a healthy environment for the youth and families in Lake Orion and Oxford.
Underage Use - What Parents Need to Know
Risk Factors
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A history of social and emotional problems.
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Depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health issues.
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Genetic factors, such as an addictive personality.
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A family history of alcohol or other substance use disorders.
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Hanging out with friends or peers who drink alcohol or use other drugs.
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Significant life transitions.
Warning Signs
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Behavioral changes that come on suddenly.
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Friend changes, including a reluctance to introduce new friends to their parents.
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Mental changes, such as poor memory or concentration.
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Physical changes, such as bloodshot eyes or lack of coordination.
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Problems in school, such as low grades or poor attendance.
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Severe or sudden mood swings including anger and irritability.
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Alcohol presence, including finding alcohol in their room or smelling it on their breath.
Mental Effects
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Impulse control
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Poor decision making
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Blackouts and lack in memory
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Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
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Learning problems, and issues at school or work.
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Memory problems, including dementia.
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Weakened connections between brain areas that regulate emotional and cognitive functioning.
Physical Effects
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Alcohol poisoning
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Increased cancer risk for several types of cancer, including but not limited to:
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Mouth
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Throat
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Esophagus
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Colon and rectum
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Liver
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High blood pressure
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Heart disease
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Liver disease
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Stroke
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Alcohol use disorder
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Digestive problems
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Weaker immune system
Polices and Laws
It is illegal for anyone under 21:
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It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume any alcohol.
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To have alcohol in their possession at any time, regardless of whether they've consumed the alcohol.
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To possess or transport an unopened alcohol container in a motor vehicle, regardless if it is in the driver or passenger area. Both the driver and passenger can be charged whether or not they consumed the alcohol.
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To purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol.
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To use a fake I.D. to obtain alcohol.
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To allow anyone to use their motor vehicle after they've been drinking.
If you are under 21, you can get a MIP (Minor in Possession) if you are caught just holding an alcoholic beverage.
Adults can be held responsible for underage drinking:
​ Adults are legally responsible for anything that might happen to a minor who has been served alcohol in their home, and may be subject to criminal prosecution and fines. If adults furnish alcohol to a minor, they may also be liable for monetary damages caused by that individual in a civil lawsuit.
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It is illegal to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, even if it is your own child.
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It is illegal to purchase alcohol for anyone under the age of 21, even your own child.
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It is illegal to allow minors to drink alcohol in your home, even your own child.
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It is illegal to provide a fake I.D. to anyone under the age of 21.
What is Medical Amnesty?
To ensure minors who are at medical risk as a result of alcohol consumption receive prompt medical attention, the state of Michigan has adopted a medical amnesty law to remove perceived barriers to seeking help. The law provides an exception from prosecution to any minor who initiates contact with law enforcement or emergency medical services personnel for the purpose of obtaining medical assistance for a legitimate health care concern.
What Can Parents Do?
Parents and teachers can play a meaningful role in shaping youth’s attitudes toward drinking. Parents, in particular, can have either a positive or negative influence. Parents can help their children avoid alcohol problems by:
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Talking about the dangers of drinking.
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If a parent chooses to drink, model responsibility, moderation, not driving after having a drink, and not using alcohol as a coping skill to deal with stress.
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Not making alcohol available.
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Getting to know their children’s friends.
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Having regular conversations about life in general.
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Connecting with other parents about sending clear messages about the importance of youth not drinking alcohol.
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Supervising all parties to make sure there is no alcohol.
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Encouraging kids to participate in healthy and fun activities that do not involve alcohol.
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Research shows that children of actively involved parents are less likely to drink alcohol. However, if parents provide alcohol to their kids (even small amounts), have positive attitudes about drinking, and engage in alcohol misuse, adolescents have an increased risk of misusing alcohol. Moreover, if the adolescent has a parent with AUD, they are less likely to be protected from alcohol misuse through parental engagement and other factors.
How do I talk to my teen about alcohol?
It's never too late to start talking with your teen about the risks of underage drinking. As teens get older, they make more decisions on their own, and also face more temptation and peer pressure. Though it may not seem like it, teens really do hear your concerns. It’s important you show that you care and continue having conversations with them about the dangers of alcohol.
1- Show you disapprove of underage drinking.
Over 80 percent of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink or not. Don’t assume they know how you feel about drinking and substance use. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and use or misuse of other drugs.
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2- Show you care about your teen's health, wellness, and success.
Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on their side. Reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink or use other drugs—because you want them to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you’re open and show your concern for their well-being.
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3- Show you're a good source of information about alcohol.
You want your teen to make informed decisions about alcohol with reliable information about its dangers. You don’t want him or her to learn about alcohol from unreliable sources. Establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information.
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4- Show you're paying attention and you will discourage risky behaviors.
Young people are more likely to drink if they think no one will notice. Show that you’re aware of what your teen is up to, but do this in a subtle way and try not to pry. Ask about friends and plans because you care, not because you’re judging–you are more likely to have an open conversation.
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5- Build your teen's skills and strategies for avoiding drinking.
Even if you don’t think your child wants to drink, peer pressure is a powerful thing. Having a plan to avoid alcohol can help children make better choices. Talk with your children about what they would do if faced with a difficult decision about alcohol. Practice saying “no thanks” with them in a safe environment and keep it low-key. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything across in one talk. Plan to check in frequently with quick chats and keep the lines of communication open.
Who to Call
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
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Orion Area Youth Assistance: 248-693-6878
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Oxford Area Youth Assistance: 248-460-7011