April Is the Time to Talk: Turning Alcohol Awareness into Conversation
By Dodi Haug, Certified Prevention Specialist
Spring is filled with milestones—proms, graduations, and celebrations that mark exciting transitions for young people. But alongside the excitement can come increased pressure for teens to try alcohol or other substances.
Adolescence is a time of curiosity and new experiences, yet alcohol use during this stage carries real risks. The brain continues developing into the mid-20s, and alcohol can interfere with that process—impacting memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. These are critical skills teens rely on as they grow and gain independence.
Alcohol can be difficult to address because it is legal for adults and widely normalized in our culture. It’s often tied to celebrations, socializing, and even coping with stress. The growing popularity of ready-to-drink beverages has also made alcohol more visible and accessible, especially to younger generations. Research shows that when alcohol is easier to obtain, the risk of harm increases.
While teen drinking rates have declined in recent years, underage alcohol use remains a serious concern. Alcohol is still the most commonly used substance among youth in the United States, and many teens report it is easy to access at home, from friends, or at social events.
The risks are significant. Underage drinking is linked to poor academic performance, risky behaviors like impaired driving, injuries, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. It also increases the likelihood of developing alcohol dependence later in life. Even occasional use can have lasting effects.
Understanding why teens may drink is an important part of prevention. Reasons often include peer pressure, curiosity, a desire to fit in, or using alcohol to cope with stress. Media and adult behavior can also shape how young people view alcohol. Recognizing these influences helps adults respond with empathy and guidance rather than punishment alone.
Prevention starts with connection. Teens are less likely to engage in risky behaviors when they feel supported and heard. Open, honest conversations—started early and continued often—are one of the most effective tools. Setting clear expectations, modeling responsible behavior, and encouraging involvement in positive activities like sports, arts, or volunteering also make a difference.
Preventing underage drinking is not just a family responsibility; it’s a community effort. Schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, local organizations and businesses all play a role in limiting access, providing education, and creating safe environments for youth.
April’s Alcohol Awareness Month offers an important opportunity to move beyond awareness and into meaningful conversation. As spring events approach, parents and caregivers have an opportunity to talk with their teens before they head out. Discuss what situations they might encounter, how alcohol and other substances can affect them, and what choices are expected.
It’s also important to remember that substance use and addiction are not simply matters of willpower. As actor Matthew Perry shared, addiction is “far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone”—a reminder of the importance of support and connection.
This season of celebration can also be a season of guidance. By starting conversations and staying engaged, we can help young people make safe, healthy choices that extend far beyond spring.
Information for this article was taken from pttcnetwork.org and samhsa.gov. For more resources and information, visit humanserviceagency.org or contact us at 605-884-3516 or neprc@humanserviceagency.org. Make sure to follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/NEPRC.HSA