Parental alcohol misuse creates considerable problems for most young people. Children learn their attitudes about drinking from those around them, especially from parents. Despite scientific evidence that genetic factors predispose people to drinking, children are greatly influenced by parental attitudes and behaviour.

Parents play a crucial role in keeping their children alcohol-free. If alcohol abuse is going on in the home, it is more likely that children will misuse alcohol.

Types of drinkers

Experts list 'types of drinkers' and explain their impact on children in the following ways:

Stress busters

If children see a parent come home from work and immediately grabs a drink and say, "I need a drink, work was tough today!" chances are, they are going to see alcohol as a way of dealing with stress and other emotions. Your children may seek to ward off problems of depression, anxiety and even fear by saying to themselves, "I need a drink to help me deal with this."

Mood enhancers

If your child sees a significant mood change when you drink to "loosen up" as you change from sullen to cheerful, the message is sent that drinking is the way to have fun. Your child learns from your behaviour that drinking is a quick and easy way to adjust moods.

Inappropriate drinking

If children see adults drinking and breaking the law, in any way, they probably think that it is "OK unless you get caught". Watch your drinking at family gatherings or parties when you have to drive as well. This may signal to children that the law can be ignored and risk taking is all right.

Binge drinkers

If there is a parent in the household who drinks to the point of getting drunk, the message that children receive is that you drink to get drunk. If children do not see moderation practised in the home, they are going to develop a similar attitude and come to the conclusion that getting drunk is acceptable.

Courageous parenting

In Jamaica, there are laws in place to protect children against the negative impact of alcohol abuse in the home. However, courageous parenting requires going beyond the limit of the law.

Parents should intervene when advertising suggests that drinking is a positive habit. Blunt the impact of that advertising by telling your children about the dangers of alcohol use.

Monitor the company that your child keeps because negative peer pressure can steer your child to drink for fun and acceptance.

Parents who have drinking problems need help. Professional counselling and support are available.

The National Council on Drug Abuse has simple self-tests to help you to assess your status and ways to 'count your drinks'.

Children learn how to drink primarily from their parents and caregivers. Be careful of the example that you set in the home!

Prepared by Ellen Campbell Grizzle, director, Information and Research for Drug Awareness Month 2008, National Council on Drug Abuse, 2-6 Melmac Avenue, Kingston 5. Helpline 1-888-991-4244.

POSITIVE Parenting