FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Pam Mautte
BHcare
Director of Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council
(203)736-8566
pmautte@bhcare.org
Keeping Your Kids Drug & Alcohol Free this Summer

Ansonia, CT (June 2016) - The Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC) is
urging parents to spend time talking to their teens about personal responsibility, social host laws,
and enjoying graduation and summertime activities without alcohol or drugs. Youth enjoy
celebrating this season with friends, however, it is also one of the most likely times for them to
experiment with alcohol or other substances, said Pamela Mautte, Director of VSAAC.
Student survey trend data consistently shows that drug and alcohol use among students
increases over the summer. While alcohol remains the substance of choice for students in the
Valley, marijuana and prescription medication are also substances of concern. The survey also
highlighted that students who reported recent use (past 30 days) of alcohol reported about the
location of their use:
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80% of recent drinkers report having consumed alcohol at the homes of others in
the past 30 days.
64% of recent drinkers report having consumed alcohol at their home in the past
30 days.
65% of recent drinkers report having consumed alcohol at a party without an
adult present in the past 30 days.
Approximately 10% report having ridden as a passenger with a driver under
the influence of drugs or alcohol while 2% report having driven while under
the influence of drugs or alcohol themselves.

We want young people and their parents to have wonderful memories of their special occasions
and enjoy the summertime and not have memories of tragedy, said Mautte.
What can you do?
Reinforce Expectations: Have clear rules and establish consequences for breaking them. Be
clear that drinking and drug use is unacceptable.
Encourage teens to make each moment count: Reinforce that one bad decision can change
their life forever.
Provide safe alternatives: Encourage teens to volunteer, work part time jobs, or find activities
that keep them engaged with safe and productive free time.

Set a good example: Secure alcohol, lock up medications and dispose of unused medications.
Provide a safety plan: Discuss ways in which your teen can leave a party or situation they are
not comfortable with no questions asked. Utilize a code in which they can call or text you and
safely leave a situation.
Understand the CT Social Host Law: Connecticuts social hosting law prohibits anyone from
permitting people under 21 to possess alcohol in any residence or other private property. A first
violation of this prohibition constitutes an infraction resulting in a $146 fine, and each subsequent
offense mandates a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment up to one year.
To learn more visit www.vsaac.org, like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/vsaac or follow us
on Twitter at www.twitter.com/vsaac.
VSAAC, a program of BHcare, is a public/private partnership comprised of community leaders and
citizens who develop and carry out strategies to reduce alcohol, tobacco, drug use, suicide, risky
behaviors, and promote good mental health among youth and, over time, among adults through
community education, community mobilization, public awareness, and advocacy in the Lower
Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and surrounding communities. For more information, visit
www.VSAAC.org.
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