Skip to main content
Email this page. Print this page set small font size. set medium font size. set large font size

News & Information

Parents Who Host Lose the Most

Release Date: April 24, 2015
The Sussex County Municipal Alliance wants to remind parents that the temptation to allow for parties that include the use of alcohol for teenagers need not be so great.

Sussex County Alliance Coordinator Educates Parents on Dangers of Teenage Drinking

Parents Who Host Lose the Most Logo

"The Municipal Alliance Committees (MAC) are the heart of each community's prevention efforts. The committees bring together representatives from local governmental bodies, the educational system, the health care community, law enforcement, business, labor, religious leaders, civic associations, social entities and the community at large. The MAC's determine the kind and scope of prevention initiatives that are best suited for their communities. GCADA evaluates and approves County Alliance Plans in conjunction with the Division of Addiction Services, makes recommendations in regard to the awarding of grants, and distributes the grants to the County Alliances. The County Alliances in turn support and provide for the inclusive network of grass roots volunteers who embody the 528 Municipal Alliances. " (Mission Statement of the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse)

Spring has finally arrived and with it warm weather and the end of the school year. The Prom and Graduation seasons have also arrived. The Sussex County Municipal Alliance wants to remind parents that the temptation to allow for parties that include the use of alcohol for teenagers need not be so great.

On Saturday, March 14, 2015, Nick Loizzi, Sussex County Municipal Alliance Coordinator was invited to present a program to parents at High Point Regional High School. The parents were there to attend a mandatory program conducted by School Resource Officer, Trooper James Bambara, of the New Jersey State Police and was for parents of students who intend to drive themselves to school next year. The program Loizzi presented, "Parents Who Host Lose the Most, Don't Be a Party to Teenage Drinking," was developed by the Drug Free Action Alliance of Ohio. The goal of the program is to bring information to parents about the dangers and potential consequences of Underage Drinking. Some of the information Loizzi presented is included below.

What parents should know about the legal issues related to permitting underage drinking:

  • As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teen's friends under the age of 21 under any circumstance, even in your own home, even with their parent's permission.
  • You cannot knowingly allow a person under 21, other than your child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.

If you break the law:

  • You can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
  • Others can sue you if you allow anyone under 21 to consume alcohol and they, in turn, hurt someone or damage property.
  • Officers can confiscate any alcohol, money or property used in committing the offense.

Some common reasons parents give for hosting underage drinking parties include:

  • I'd rather my kids drink at home than in a car.
  • At least they're not doing drugs.
  • If I let them drink a little now, they won't go crazy when they turn 21.
  • I did it when I was young, and I'm ok.
  • Kids will be kids.

What are some of the health and safety issues?

The fact is underage drinking is hazardous to the health and safety of those under 21.

#1.If your child drinks alcohol, it is likely that the alcohol will affect his/her brain development.

  • The human brain continues to develop into the mid-twenties.
  • If alcohol is heavily consumed in adolescence, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory can shrink by about ten percent.
  • When it comes to behavior and brain function, while alcohol has as sedative effect on adults, it acts as a stimulant to adolescents. The more alcohol consumed, the more likely youth are to engage in risky behaviors. Furthermore, due to this stimulant effect, youth are more likely to drink past the point where adults would end up passing out.

#2.If your child drinks alcohol, you will more likely have to deal with those issues parents dread.

  • Kids who drink are more likely to become sexually active (putting them at greater risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases).
  • Teen girls who binge drink are 63% more likely to get pregnant in their teen years.
  • Students who use alcohol are five times more likely to drop out of school or to believe that earning good grades is not important.

#3.If your child drinks alcohol, he/she is at a greater risk of becoming addicted later in life.

  • 40% of children who start drinking before the age of 15 will become alcoholics at some point in their lives.
  • If the onset of drinking is delayed by five years, a child's risk of serious alcohol problems is cut in half.

The presentation was filmed by the High Point Media Class under the supervision of teacher Kevin Fenlon. This program is available to any school, group, or organization and is provided free through the Municipal Alliance Grant and the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA). For more information about the Municipal Alliance, this program or other programs for your group contact Nick Loizzi, County Alliance Coordinator at (973) 940-5200 ext. 1383 or municipalalliance@sussex.nj.us


A message from the Department of Human Services, Division of Community and Youth Services, One Spring Street, Newton, N.J. 07860 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone 973-940-5200 Fax 862-268-8013 communityservices@sussex.nj.us.