What other Arizonans have to say about underage drinking

Negative effects of drug and alcohol abuse Inner-City Youthgroup





Poor judgement Casey





Choosing how to deal with frustration, stress Edy





Parents who serve send confusing, mixed message Christy & Laurie





My September 11th… Rodolfo





Psychiatrist says start talking, don’t ‘sit idle’ Dr. Judy Outten





Rough ride causes mom to recommend: start talking early Sheryl





Kids not always where they say they are Jane





Fight against underage drinking is never-ending Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard





Teacher finds peer pressure one of the strongest motivators for risky behavior Kathy





The consequence of drinking and driving Thora

Adult Responsibility Linda

Avoiding the Situation Anna

Alcoholic father puts teens at greater risk Kathy

Oldest daughter teaches mom a lesson before raising the next two Una

Alcoholic father puts teens at greater risk Kathy

Moving forward safely Whitney

Thankful Tammany

Changing attitudes Trish

Drawing the line Kristie

Student In Coma Jim

Alcohol and Good Times? Kunal

Playing Bartender Mary

Preteen Advises 'Say no' Trisha

Leading by Example Gary

A lonely Mother's Day Scott's Mom

It Will Handle You Raelynn

Adults Should Never Serve Albert

Got Caught Marcus

Teach Drinking for Special Occassions Megan

Making Smart Choices Patrick

What I Believe Basil

My Own Choice Kimberly

Making an Informed Decision Pranav

Anything for Attention Sabra

Will Change Come? Alison

A Disease Called Alcohol Patrick

Tell your story!

What worries you most about underage drinking? What underage drinking trends do you see in your community? What have you said to your child about your own alcohol use or what you did before age 21? What conversations have you had with other parents about underage drinking?

Open up about your concerns, opinions, and real experiences (good or bad) when it comes to underage drinking. Submissions are welcome from parents, coaches, teachers, siblings, relatives, clergy – anyone who is interacting with tweens and teens to make a positive difference in their lives.

How: Write 200-600 words. Include your first name, hometown, your photo and a phone number where we can reach you, if needed, while reviewing your submission.

Stories and photos will be posted here, and your story or image may be featured in other campaign materials or press coverage to help the public recognize how Arizonans statewide are addressing underage drinking. Your phone number will not be sold or shared with organizations not affiliated with this campaign.

Pledges

Some adults are pledging to draw the line. How will you draw your line?

My name is Pam, I'm from Kingman, I'm drawing the line by not having alcohol in my house and making sure that my children know that you don't need to have alcohol to have fun. My husband and I both came from families with alcohol abuse, I lost my oldest brother in 2000 from the long term affects of alcohol abuse, he was only 53 years old. In April of this year I lost my only sister from the affects of alcohol, she was only 60 years old. I hate when people think they are only hurting themselves when they abuse alcohol... I pledge to help educate children and young adults about the harmful affects of alcohol. My name is Susan from Mesa, and I’m drawing the line by educating my kids about the consequences of drinking on the body, brain, social relationships, financial impact etc. and by not allowing my children and their friends to consume alcohol in my home or anywhere. There are many other ways to have fun. My name is Holly from Surprise, and I’m drawing the line by not glamorizing alcohol; not drinking in front of my children in a way that sends a message that alcohol is necessary to have a good time or even needed to relax. My son is only 15 months old but he already watches my behavior and tries to mimic me and repeats my words. I want to start setting a good example for him now – before he’s at an age where he will be tempted to drink. My name is Jason from Kingman, and I’m drawing the line by making sure that all stores I.D. everyone, for any alcohol purchase. My name is Joleen from Many Farms, and I’m drawing the line by not allowing alcohol beverages in my home. My spouse and I don’t drink so we tell our kids not to drink, in essence, “we walk our talk.” My name is Lisa from Anthem, and I’m drawing the line by: Helping people I know to understand how harmful alcohol is to developing brains. Involving my organization in the campaign. My adult son, my only child, was killed by an underage drunk driver. I am drawing the line by educating young people in better decision making. Connie, Surprise I know parents want their children to do as they say and not as they do, but we all know that's not what really happens. I pledge to be a good example for my kids by never drinking, by not serving alcohol in my home, and by showing my kids that you can have more fun sober than drunk. Val, Phoenix My father, a 2nd if not 3rd or 4th generation alcoholic, was the "coolest" dad. He never told me not to drink, and instead insisted that if we did, we could just "do it in front of me." I first got drunk when I was 10, and struggled to stay away from it until my junior year in college when it just hit me that I had a choice to make in my adult life. My own son is 10 now and is repulsed by alcohol, as, "it's a poison dad." I am drawing the line in my family and helping my siblings to do the same. So be the cool parent who sets the right example and can say "no" when it's needed. Keep up the good work Arizona. Dave, Kingman I'm Ryan from Phoenix, and I pledge to lead by example. As a non-drinker, it's clear that there is a misguided assumption among teens (and my mid-20s peers) that one needs to drink in order to be accepted and have fun -- a cultural predisposition to which my family members and friends have fallen. I want to show that everyone can have amazing, beautiful experiences without relying on potentially harmful chemicals. Ryan, Phoenix