By Casey Denny
Oklahoma State University: Community Wellness Programs
Okmulgee County Consortium
As a parent, grandparent, or caregiver it can be heartbreaking to see a young person in the family turn to substances like alcohol. In Okmulgee County, alcohol consumption is shown to be the most prevalent form of substance use among teens. In 2019-20 the OPNA (Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment) report for Okmulgee County showed that 46% of youth grades 6th through 12th reported consuming alcohol. This is a little less than half of every student in the county enrolled in middle to high school. The percentage of alcohol use is even more concerning when compared to the rates of other substances used like marijuana (26.3%) and cigarettes (24.5%).
As a parent or caregiver, we often ask ourselves what motivated them to walk down this risky path? In a prevention campaign created by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) called Talk. They Hear You, they provide a list of possible reasons:

• Stress- Young people today are experiencing greater amounts of stress than before. In 2019-20 the OPNA showed that 31.7% of Okmulgee County middle and high school students reported feeling high levels of psychological distress which has increased from the previous year by 7%. It is also shown to be 2% higher than the state average for the same year. As a parent or caregiver, it is important that you validate and support your child during times of emotional distress.
• Peer Pressure- Adolescence is a critical period in life where one finds their place in the broader social landscape. It is a period of rapid individual identity development which makes them highly influenced by their peers, the media, and family members. It is recommended by SAMHSA that you help increase your child’s confidence by teaching them different ways to say “no”. It is also important to remind them that real friends would not pressure them to drink.
• Transitions- Divorce, graduating from high school, breaking up from a relationship, and moving to a new place can all be examples of transitions in life that are difficult to deal with. It is for this reason that some adolescents turn to substances to cope. It is important as a parent or caregiver to remember how hard it can be for children to endure major life changes during their fundamental development. Staying aware and present for your children will help tremendously in their ability to process these changes.
• Environment- Children who grow up in households where there is heavy drinking and positive perceptions of substance use are more likely to drink themselves. In 2019-20 the OPNA showed that 32.9% of Okmulgee County middle and high school students reported their parents had favorable attitudes to drug use. As a caregiver, if you do drink, make sure to drink responsibly and in moderation. Be sure your child knows that drinking under the age of 21 is not acceptable.
• Genetics- Children with a history of alcoholism in their family are more likely to become alcoholics than children who have no family history of alcoholism. If your family has this history, be sure to explain to your child the risk factors they may face and the seriousness of the disease.

Sources: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; 2019-20 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment
If you would like more tips and information, you can follow the Okmulgee County Consortium on Facebook: Okmulgee County Consortium and Instagram: occ_community