Strong family bonds prevent underage drinking

Teenagers who have a strong relationship with their parents may start drinking at a later age -- which may, in turn, lessen their risk of developing alcohol problems, a new study suggests. The findings, published in the May issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, underscore the important role parents play in the risk of problem drinking.

For the purposes of the study, a high quality relationship was one where teenagers felt they could discuss their problems with their parents and that their parents respected their feelings.

Guiding Good Choices provides parents with tools to create and sustain strong bonds with their children. The coalition will be offering more Guiding Good Choices workshops in the fall -- check this blog later this summer to view a fall schedule.