Focus On | Teens: focus on what matters instead of drinking

Focus on what matters

We all grow up with expectations of what our school years will be like, but nothing can really capture the experiences ahead of you. Make the most of every day by focusing on what brings you joy—instead of letting pop culture and false ideas around underage drinking influence what you do.

How many teens are focusing on what’s important and keeping alcohol out of the picture?

Nope.

Keep going.

close but not quite…

Yep. The fact is 9 out of 10 Washington teens don’t drink.

That’s the goal—we’re just not there yet.

0%

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Focus on the risks

Underage drinking is over-hyped in pop culture—and the risks are all too real. You’re smart and know how to care for you, which is why knowing all the facts is so important.

Click each tile to learn more.

Be kind
to your mind

Fact 1:

Your brain is still developing. Alcohol can damage your memory and impair your impulse control, learning ability, and judgment.

Stay true
to who you are

Fact 2:

Drinking can lead to bad decisions. From saying stuff you’ll regret to something as serious as driving drunk—drinking just isn’t worth the consequences.

Let nothing
stand in your way

Fact 3:

Underage drinking is illegal, and you could get charged with a Minor in Possession, which can mean fines, losing your license, or even missing out on a job or college.

Work towards
your future

Fact 4:

People who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to abuse alcohol later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21.

Make yourself
the priority

Fact 5:

It’s dangerous. Drinking is linked with 119,000 ER visits every year nationwide for people under 21, whether it’s injuries from a fall or getting your stomach pumped.

Be kind
to your mind

Fact 1:

Your brain is still developing. Alcohol can damage your memory and impair your impulse control, learning ability, and judgment.

Stay true
to who you are

Fact 2:

Drinking can lead to bad decisions. From saying stuff you’ll regret to something as serious as driving drunk—drinking just isn’t worth the consequences.

Let nothing
stand in your way

Fact 3:

Underage drinking is illegal, and you could get charged with a Minor in Possession, which can mean fines, losing your license, or even missing out on a job or college.

Work towards
your future

Fact 4:

People who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to abuse alcohol later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21.

Make yourself
the priority

Fact 5:

It’s dangerous. Drinking is linked with 119,000 ER visits every year nationwide for people under 21, whether it’s injuries from a fall or getting your stomach pumped.

Focus on learning more

Go deeper with resources that help you stay healthy and keep alcohol out of the picture.

30-Day Guide

Build healthy habits

30 days of activities to help you practice mindfulness and build better boundaries.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDES

Video

Alcohol and your mood

​Adolescent Medicine Physician, Dr. Zavala, explains how alcohol can affect emotional health.

VIEW VIDEO

Video

Alcohol and relationships

​Associate Professor, Dr. Kilmer, explores how drinking can impact judgement and relationships.

VIEW VIDEO

Video

Alcohol in social settings

​Adolescent Medicine Physician, Dr. Zavala, covers how drinking can make it harder to stay safe.

View video

Video

Alcohol and your brain

Associate Professor, Dr. Kilmer, breaks down how alcohol can affect your body and mind.

View video

Focus on getting support

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence or abuse, there is help.

Talk to someone
who understands

If you need support, Teen Link’s phone workers are available every evening to provide free, confidential help—just text or call to talk.

Phone: 1-866-833-6546 Website: www.teenlink.org Hours: 6pm – 10pm

24/7
support

Call the Washington Recovery Help Line for 24-hour support.

Phone: 1-866-789-1511