Alcohol

Alcohol misuse is a widespread issue, but understanding it is the first step towards addressing it.

Here at the Clarkston EPIC Coalition, we’re committed to shedding light on this subject. Explore the sobering realities of alcohol misuse, learn about its effects, and understand the risks associated with it.

You’ll also discover the dedicated efforts of our partner organizations, each playing a crucial role in mitigating this issue.

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Focus on Campaign

The Washington State Health Care Authority launched the Focus On campaign to prevent underage drinking among high school teens and inspire them to keep alcohol out of the picture like four out of five Washington teens do. The campaign spotlights positive social norms, offers information about the risks and consequences of underage drinking in ways that are relevant for youth, outlines refusal skills, and encourages teens to choose healthy ways to deal with stress, anxiety, and boredom.

While many teens believe the majority of their peers drink alcohol, the reality is that four out of five Washington teens don’t drink, according to the 2018 Washington Healthy Youth Survey. Focus On encourages teens to “focus on” the things that matter—such as pursuing goals, engaging in healthy activities, and connecting with friends—and not let misperceptions around underage drinking influence what they do.

We are excited to bring this campaign to our community to encouraged and support our youth in making healthy life choices. If you would like to learn more about this campaign you can visit the website at:

Focus on the Risks

Your Brain

Your brain is still developing. Alcohol can damage your memory and impair your impulse control, learning ability, and judgment.

Decision Making

Drinking can lead to bad decisions. From saying stuff you’ll regret to something as serious as driving drunk—drinking just isn’t worth the consequences.

Your Future

Underage drinking is illegal, and you could get charged with a Minor in Possession, which can mean fines, losing your license, or even missing out on a job or college.

Substance Use Disorder

People who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to abuse alcohol later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21.

Safety

It’s dangerous. Drinking is linked with 119,000 ER visits every year nationwide for people under 21, whether it’s injuries from a fall or getting your stomach pumped.

Resources

We have a variety of resources for parents & teens who need guidance with substance abuse recovery & prevention.

Get immediate help right now.

Resources for parents about substance abuse & recovery.

Resources for teens about substance abuse & recovery.

Educational, relationship-building activities & training.

Sticker Shock

Sticker Shock is a media blitz campaign designed to remind our community about the dangers of serving alcohol under 21 and to thank community members for only serving over 21.

According to the 2021 Community Survey, 83% of local respondents said it would be “easy” or “very easy” for high school youth to get alcohol.
Although 90% of Washington 10th graders had not used alcohol the previous month, the 2021 Healthy Youth Survey found that 41% of high school sophomores thought it was easy to get alcohol. Across Washington, only 7% of sophomores reported purchasing the alcohol themselves from the store.
Sticker Shock helps remind the community that there are steps they can individually take to reduce how easy it is for youth to get alcohol.

How to Deal with Peer Pressure & Alcohol

If someone offers you alcohol, here are some alternative suggestions you can give.

Plan Ahead

Avoid situations where you think people will be drinking. You've got better things to do anyway.

Give a firm "No thanks!"

Pretty basic, but it's a classic because it works. Repeat as necessary if the person keeps offering.

Make an exit

Ask the person offering you a drink, "Do you know where the bathroom is?" or "Have you seen my phone?" then bounce.

Put it on your parents

Tell people your parents are really strict. It's a good way to shift the blame.

Say you have to get up early tomorrow

Work, practice, even walking the dog - any activity can work as a reason for why you're not drinking.

Suggest something better

Find a local diner or somewhere else to hang out. Who doesn't love late-night hash browns?

Community Survey Results

According to the 2021 EPIC Community Survey, nearly 85% of local respondents believe that Marijuana use among community youth (6th-12th grade) is a moderate or serious problem.

Activities

Get Involved.

Be part of the excitement as we lead community events, offer alternative activities, and provide support systems to reduce substance use. Join one of our committees focused on leadership, media, youth, parent outreach, or data and research, and help us make a lasting impact in our community.

Volunteer

Make a Difference.

We value each and every volunteer who shares their time and expertise to help us achieve our mission. As a Clarkston EPIC volunteer, you are not only contributing to the prevention of substance use and promotion of mental health, but you are also making a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. We are grateful for your dedication and commitment to creating positive change.

Contact

Join the Movement.

Ready to be part of something incredible? Fill out the form to get in touch with us and learn more about how you can contribute to the success of Clarkston EPIC. Let’s work together to make our community safer, healthier, and stronger.