By MIKE DIAMANTI

As a participating member in several national and state prevention organizations, Central Whidbey Youth Coalition frequently receives information that discusses the latest research results on drug and alcohol use. In reading through the most recent publication, “Using Science to Combat Underage Drinking,” the first statement made is: Statistics indicate that alcohol is the drug of choice among adolescents. According to the pamphlet, drinking often begins at very young ages. A 2004 survey found that 10 percent of 9 and 10 year olds had already started using alcohol. Another study found that almost one-third of youth begin drinking before age 13.

Special populations are at greater risk for drinking-related problems. Children of alcoholics (about 15 percent of youth population under 17), and active-duty military personnel (ages 17 to 20), both exhibit greater risk for alcohol-related problems, than other population samples.

What is the main cause of death for people under age 21? Injury death. And injury death frequently has alcohol as a root cause. According to the cited material, about 5,000 youth per year die from injuries related to underage drinking. These figures include 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, 1,600 from homicide, and 300 from suicide. Alcohol poisoning happens to high school, as well as college-age kids, and underage drinking can contribute to academic problems, social problems, risky sexual activity, and physical and sexual assault.

So what can you do? Make yourself aware of the underage drinking issues. Be aware that Island County has an excellent community service non-profit, Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County (IDIPIC). The panel is designed primarily for those arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Minor in Possession (MIP), Negligence in the First Degree (where drugs or alcohol are involved), and Deferred Prosecution for these offenses. Other attendees have included parents with teenage drivers, driver’s education students, professionals who work with DUI crash victims and/or offenders, and prospective speakers who are interested in being on the panels. IDIPIC attendance is a requirement for all Whidbey Island Driver’s Education students. There is absolutely no fee for students or their guests to attend. Parents are encouraged to attend with their new driver. The IDIPIC Web site is: http://www.idipic.org/.

According to the NIAAA material, parents who drink more and who express generally favorable views about drinking tend to have children who drink more. Peer group influences are also a factor. During the recent Town Hall Meeting on Underage Drinking held in Coupeville, a number of Island County handouts were developed that not only address the issue, but the handouts offer advice, ideas, and strategies for anyone who works with our youth. CWYC has these handouts available, and you can access them by calling our office at 678-4533.

Underage drinking is preventable, just like impaired driving, and we are all impacted by impaired driving and underage drinking. It may not be your child or your family that is struggling with drug and alcohol abuse issues, but Whidbey Island is our community and we can help each other. Another resource available to the general public, is Addiction Impact Panels (AIP). Addiction Impact Panels (AIP) offers local youth and adults the opportunity to hear powerful and informed perspectives on substance use. Stories can change lives stories of possibility, stories of pain and loss, stories that tell the truth. By sharing their own stories and knowledge, panel presenters make real to audiences the devastating impact of drug addiction on the lives of those using drugs and their loved ones. Presenters also share the very real opportunities for support and positive change. The next AIP is Tuesday, June 27, Room 137, Hayes Hall, Skagit College, Oak Harbor, from 7 to 9 p.m. There is no charge to attend this event and it is open to the general public.

CWYC is always ready to provide speakers or information to any group or individual requesting assistance. We have an excellent DVD on underage drinking, and we have lots of useful and timely information on substance abuse and prevention. Help us help our community. We can all make a difference, one action at a time, one person at a time. Thanks to all of you who put our children first, for a healthier future.

Mike Diamanti is the executive director for the Central Whidbey Youth Coalition, located at 105 S. Main St. For program information contact him at 678-4533 or by e-mail at: cw.youth@verizon.net. The Web site is www.cwyouth.com/index.cfm.