Underage Drinking during Back-to-School - The Marshall County Post

Campaign accompanies new research on perception of underage drinking

On Aug. 1, 2024, the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) announced they are teaming up to raise awareness of underage drinking as students return to classes.

This month, alcohol compliance checks will increase across the state and agents will be out in full force ensuring retailers only sell alcohol to legal adults. TDMHSAS Substance Use Prevention Coalitions are also conducting undercover buy operations to verify compliance.

The increased enforcement effort coincides with the release of new data. The latest TN Together Student Survey of almost 25,000 students in 8^th, 10^th, and 12^th grades showed more than 30% admitted to ever drinking alcohol. Despite having broad exposure to alcohol, 30-day usage among students has declined from 17% in the 2018-2019 survey, to 11% in the most recent data.

About 40% of students surveyed said it was “very” or “fairly difficult” to obtain alcohol despite being well below the legal age.

“The decline in frequent drinking among high schoolers shows efforts like this and community-based work by our Substance Use Prevention Coalitions and other groups is paying off,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.

“Young people are particularly susceptible to alcohol-related issues, with binge drinking and related accidents posing significant risks to their health and safety. By addressing underage drinking head-on, we can protect the well-being of our youth and ensure they have the opportunity to thrive in an environment where alcohol is not easily accessible or often abused,” said TABC Executive Director, Russell Thomas.

To connect to community-based resources for underage drinking, or to connect to a Substance Use Prevention Coalition online, go to tn.gov/behavioral-health/coalition.

Locally, you may join the Marshall County Prevention Coalition at the Marshall County Memorial Library on the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m.