You do not have to throw-out all your alcohol to have a safe home, but whatever alcohol you do have, it is recommended to keep it locked.
Lock it Up: Alcohol should be stored in locked cabinets or have bottle locks.
Count it up: Monitor supply by marking bottles with a line or counting units weekly. You can also use bottle sealing tape that would show tampering.
Talk it up: As an adult, you have the critical role in shaping the habits of the children in your care. Research states that talking to youth about underage drinking, disapproving of the behavior, and taking action to prevent it is the biggest factor in whether your child will use alcohol before 21 years of age. One home at a time, we can reduce youth access to alcohol and improve their future by securing and monitoring alcohol in the home.
Signs of alcohol misuse include the smell of alcohol on clothing or breath, bloodshot eyes, coordination problems, and behavioral changes such as aggression or withdrawal. During prom and graduation season, do not rent hotel rooms for your child or allow them to stay in one unsupervised. Plan chaperoned alcohol-free gatherings as an alternative, and establish a code word your teen can use to ask for a ride home without judgment.
