Where Do Linn County Teens Get Alcohol?

Of Linn County 11th grade students that indicate alcohol use, approximately 50% report getting it from a parent or guardian with permission (Oregon Student Health Survey, 2020).

Some parents may believe that by letting teens drink alcohol, they will learn to drink safely. However, research shows that early drinking actually makes it more likely that a teen will have problems with alcohol later in life. In fact, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports youth who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21.

Additionally, youth who drink alcohol are more likely to

• Use other drugs
• Get bad grades
• Suffer injury or death
• Engage in risky sexual activity
• Make bad decisions
• Have health problems, including depression and anxiety

Young people are less likely to develop alcohol problems if their parents establish clear rules about not using alcohol.

Source:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration