When it’s time to discuss the subject of alcohol with youth, it’s important to start talking early, talk often and get others involved.

Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth, contributing to the three leading causes of death among 12- to 20-year-olds (unintentional injury, homicide and suicide).

According to a study, 17.2 percent of Asian teens ages 12 to 20 drank alcohol in the past month.

Research shows that those who start drinking before age 15 are six times more likely to have alcohol problems as adults than those who start drinking at age 21 or older. A survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that the underage drinking rates were as high as 40 percent in some states such as North Dakota and Vermont.

The study also reveals that nationwide, approximately 8.6 percent of past-month drinkers ages 12 to 20 purchased their own alcohol the last time they drank. Rates were highest in Louisiana and the District of Columbia and lowest in Alaska and New Mexico.

To combat the epidemic of underage drinking, parents are encouraged to talk to their children about drinking alcohol at an early age.

The Website www. stopalcoholabuse.gov features an action plan that parents can use to help start the conversation and resources to send to family members, peers and other adult influencers.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.