BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Christi Eckert of the Marion Crawford Prevention Programs is urging parents to set responsible examples regarding alcohol use during the holiday season and to prioritize open communication with their children about drugs and alcohol.
Eckert, speaking on the “Community Spotlight” podcast, stressed that parental behavior models norms for children and highlighted the importance of adult education on alcohol risks, including its link to various cancers (liver, breast, colorectal, esophageal, and oral). She noted that less than 40% of adults are aware of alcohol’s link to cancer risk.
The discussion emphasized that alcohol affects developing teenage brains differently and that a family history of substance abuse increases risk. For young athletes, Eckert shared that a single instance of alcohol use can negate up to 14 days of training.
Parents are advised to educate themselves on safe consumption—like understanding that the body processes roughly one serving of alcohol per hour—and to never drink and drive. Eckert called for clear, non-negotiable expectations for teens, and suggested establishing a ‘code word’ or ‘safe phrase’ so children can discreetly request a pickup if they find themselves in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation, encouraging trust and safety.