One year ago, the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission launched “Talk It Out,” a statewide campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking, and to give parents the tools they need to speak with their children openly, honestly and often. The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) has proudly supported this initiative since the beginning.
In the first year, the percentage of parents who believe that underage drinking is a serious problem rose significantly (from 37 to 44 percent), as did the percentage of parents who frequently speak about the dangers of alcohol with their children (from 33 to 43 percent).
But significant challenges remain. One of the ways we can support this effort is to share Talk It Out’s “Conversation Starters” with NCMS members and the families they serve. Please use these materials and visit the website as resources to help open the dialogue with your patients and their families around the dangers of underage drinking.
