Half Of Teens Say Binge Drinking 'No Big Deal'

TROY (WWJ) - A new study says teenagers are becoming alarmingly complacent about alcohol use, with nearly half of them saying that consuming five drinks a day is "no big deal".

WWJ spoke with Ann Comisky, from the Troy Coalition on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, who said the most effective weapon against teen alcohol abuse is a good role model.

"We have been trying diligently for more than five years to show young people, and adults, the dangers of alcohol exposure at an early age," Cominsky said.

"And when we see that children are drinking as much as five drinks in a row, which we normally call binge drinking, that's very problematic," she said.

Comisky said the most effective weapon against teen alcohol abuse is a good role model.

"Parents need to understand that they really are the most influential people in their children's lives. And if they set, not only good examples, but rules in their own homes, children are more likely to want to disappoint their parents, and they want to do the right thing," she said.

The study from the Partnership at http://www.drugfree.org also showed increased use of marijuana and Ecstasy among young people in grades 9 through 12.