Today, April 1st, marks the start of Alcohol Awareness Month 2016. Since 1987, this public awareness month is sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). The purpose of this month is to raise awareness and understanding on alcoholism and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease. The month also serves as a conversation starter for communities and families.

This year’s theme is “Talk Early, Talk Often: Parents Can Make a Difference in Teen Alcohol Use.” Having conversations with children about alcohol use can be tricky, but it is always beneficial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people between the ages of 12 and 20 drink over ten percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States. More often than not, this consumption is done in the form of binge drinking. However, when parents talk to their children about alcohol consumption, it is more likely that the child will understand the dangers of the substance and stay away from experimentation.

In line with this year’s theme, it is always best to start the conversations about alcohol use early, and to continue the conversation often. Forming an open relationship with your child allows them to feel comfortable talking about sensitive subjects like alcohol and drug use. It is also helpful for parents to establish rules early on and keep to them.

To kick off Alcohol Awareness month, this weekend is Alcohol-Free Weekend. NCADD and Seabrook encourage you to abstain from alcohol this weekend.