Keeping our Teens Drug and Alcohol Free

Alcohol Awareness Month

The Good News from DHS, HPHS & the NFL

Hot dog and soft drink on a football fieldMost District 113 students are alcohol-free.

  • 91% do not binge drink (5 or more drinks in a row)
  • 88% think drinking alcohol is harmful to their health
  • 77% do not drink alcohol

There are fun ways to reduce temptation to drink at parties you host. With just a few small tweaks, you can reduce indirect pressure guests may feel to drink alcohol at parties.

CTAD’s Festive Fun for Everyone campaign provides tips from set up to drink selection. It can make a big difference to those who cannot or choose not to drink. 

For teen gatherings, check out this list of teen-approved activities and party venues compiled by DHS & HPHS students and parents.

The NFL & Chicago Bears offer alcohol-free sections.

The NFL is addressing drinking culture at games by creating sober sections at some stadiums. This gives fans who don’t drink a place to relax, feel a sense of community and enjoy the game without worrying about the temptation to drink. At Soldier Field, alcohol-free seating is in sections 148 and 155.

Alcohol advertising is an opening to talk. While research shows that the more alcohol advertising young people see, the more they drink, parents have a huge influence to counteract this. Alcohol advertisements often portray unrealistic messages about drinking that mislead viewers about the risks. Ask your kids about advertising they see, what they think about it, and be prepared to correct those misperceptions. Check out CTAD’s Parent Guide on Alcohol and Alcohol Fact Sheet.

Sources: DHS & HPHS Illinois Youth Survey, March 2022; Prevention First; Verywell Family 2020