Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated are leading causes of death and injury in young people. Even a few drinks is enough to affect judgment and reaction time. Often, a driver is impaired without even knowing it. Thus, determining who will be the designated driver beforehand will ensure that the driver is not intoxicated or impaired in their driving abilities.

If you do not have a someone with you willing to be your designated driver, do not get behind the wheel. Call someone to pick you up, or call a taxi service. Again, setting up a designated driver beforehand will help you avoid a situation in which you are unable to be responsible. You should never get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. If you do, you are putting your life, and other’s lives, at risk.

By taking the time to establish or find a designated driver, you are being responsible with your life and other’s.

There is no right or wrong age to begin teaching children about alcochol abuse. A good rule of thumb age is between 8 and 12, where the child understands the concept of taking in something that is not permitted. Parents should explain that even though these substances may be made available by friends, relatives, or peers, it is illegal for them to indulge. Parents may want to also go into detail about some of the adverse effects of alcohol. Pointing out some of the adverse effects of alcohol can make the experience seem a lot less glamorous to a child and perhaps he or she will be more reluctant to try it.The information party rocks on: Eight Important Things to Teach Children

If All Else Fails: If your friends still won’t give up their keys and get in the car to drive, call the police. It’s not worth putting everyone on the road in danger to keep your friend happy. If possible, start first with a bouncer or larger friend who can forcibly remove them from the car.

Be Honest
Give your kids accurate, honest information. Don’t teach them that having one drink will result in irreparable damage. When they discover this is simply not true, your children will no longer trust you. Don’t use scare tactics, but calmly talk about the consequences of drinking. If you yourself drink, your children will most likely notice and ask why. Be prepared to answer honestly and explain the reasons that adults sometimes drink.

Be Open
Just because your child has questions about drinking does not mean that they themselves are consuming alcohol. Let your child know you can answer his questions and prove it by being approachable and willing to listen. Ask your child about what they know about alcohol and don’t judge their responses. Let your child know that they can always talk to you about drinking.Still bored? Click to continue: On the soapbox…

Physical Signs
Does your family member have trouble with coordination and balance? Does he or she frequently slur their speech or smell of alcohol? Do their hands tremble and are they often tired or complain of physical ailments like headaches with no known cause? These physical symptoms may be signs of an alcohol addiction.

Behavioral Signs
Does your loved one have a history of irrational behavior? Are they missing work or other important obligations as a result of their drinking? Perhaps they are easily enraged or do things they soon regret while drinking. Do they react with a defensive attitude when asked about their drinking problems? Do they admit they have an issue with alcohol? Alcoholics will often find excuses to leave events or places in search of a drink. Does your family member often have excuses for leaving gatherings early? Are they spending money they don’t have on alcohol?

The answers to these questions will enable you to assess your loved one’s possible alcohol addiction.