Beer Institute Recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month

07 Apr 2016 --- During the month of April, the Beer Institute along with brewers and beer importers will recognize Alcohol Awareness Month and mark the significant progress being made in reducing underage drinking.

“The Beer Institute along with brewers and beer importers are deeply committed to responsibility,” said Jim McGreevy, Beer Institute President and CEO. “As we approach spring and milestone moments like proms and graduation celebrations, we encourage parents to take advantage of the resources we’ve developed to help them, such as downloadable e-books and guides that help them talk with their children about alcohol.”

According to a landmark study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and released in December 2015, alcohol use by the nation’s teens continues its long term decline.

The University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future study reported that there have been declines in both past month drinking and binge drinking among 8th, 10th and 12th graders including reaching new record lows for both 10thup grade and 12th grade past month drinking and binge drinking.

“The findings of this study are encouraging, especially for our industry, which is committed to the prevention of underage drinking,” said Joy Dubost PhD RD, Sr. Director of Science & External Affairs, Beer Institute. “However, we know that our work and the work of others must continue. We are committed to working with schools, parents, law enforcement, and local leaders to help ensure these rates continue to decline to further reduce underage drinking.”

The three grades combined (8, 10 and 12) showed a further decline in the proportion of students reporting any alcohol use in the 12 months preceding the survey (annual prevalence) and also in the 30 days preceding the survey (30 day prevalence). In addition, in 2015, these rates are at 40 percent and 22 percent, respectively—the lowest levels seen since the study began.

Further, binge drinking (having five or more drinks in a row on one or more occasions in the prior two weeks) also declined significantly in 2015.

Beer Institute members have invested in hundreds of programs and initiatives to support public safety, education and prevention, including those aimed at reducing underage drinking. These initiatives are outlined in a white paper, “Commitment to Responsibility.”