Palmer Drug Abuse Program

P.D.A.P. -Midland, TX, Inc.             1201 W. Texas   Midland, Texas 79701

 (432) 685-3645   www.pdap.org

Serving Midland absolutely free since 1979

Dear Parent,

It is alarming to know that 55% of Midland 9-12 graders have consumed alcohol in the past year and that 40% of them plan to consume alcohol in the future. (1)      Is your child one of them?

Because alcohol is the number one drug of choice among youth, I am asking for your help to reduce underage drinking in Midland County.

Parents work hard to raise healthy children.

They protect their children from disease through immunizations.

They teach their children about bicycle safety and “stranger danger”.               

Parents should also protect their children from other potential harmful situations.

As your child grows through adolescence into young adults, you will want to protect them from the damaging effects of alcohol abuse.

Any regular use of alcohol for an adolescent under the age of 21 is abusive.                                                                                                                                        

The Human Brain continues to develop until the early 20’s and alcohol consumption, under the age of 21, is not only illegal but also harmful to the developing brain.

Patricia A. Powell, Ph.D., in her report to the U.S. Department  of Education on February 22, 2006 said that the consequences of underage drinking include vehicle crashes, homicides, suicides, physical and sexual assaults, unwanted or unintended sexual activity, date rape, altered academic performance and possible adverse effects on the developing brain. (2)

New research indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a person's early 20's and that exposure of the developing brain to alcohol may have long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and may increase the likelihood of alcohol addiction. (Brown, Tapert, Granholm and Delis, 2000) (3)

Take the next step to protect you child. If you have alcohol in your home, lock it up, make it inaccessible to your children and their friends.

Know where your children are at, whose home they frequent, and do not host or support underage drinking events.

Protect your child, be a strong parent, keep your child safe from alcohol!

Please help us to build a stronger community where Midlander’s raise healthy families.                                                                                                                                                                              

Sincerely,

Mitchell Moore, L.C.D.C., A.D.C.I.I., C.P.S., C.C.J.A.P.                                                                   

Executive Director Palmer Drug Abuse Program

(1)     The Texas Prevention Impact Index and the Midland Community Survey, Spring 2005

(2)     www.ahealthiermidland.org/facts.htm

(3)     www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov