Kids at highest risk for alcohol-related problems are those who:

• Begin using alcohol or other drugs before the age of 15.
• Have a parent who is a problem drinker or an alcoholic.
• Have close friends who use alcohol and/or other drugs.
• Have been aggressive, antisocial, or hard to control from an early age.
• Have experienced childhood abuse and/or other major traumas.
• Have current behavioral problems and/or are failing at school.
• Have a hard time communicating with parents because they believe there is a lack of support from their family in regards to their behavior, interests and/or whereabouts.
• Experience ongoing hostility with parents and family members.The more of these experiences a child has had, the greater the chances that he or she will develop problems with alcohol. But just because they may experience some of these things, doesn't mean that they will surely develop a problem with alcohol. Although, it does mean that it would be a good idea to act now to help protect your youngster from later problems. For example, if you have not been openly communicating with your child, it will be important to develop new ways of talking and listening to each other. Or, if your child has serious behavioral difficulties, you may want to seek help from your child's school counselor, physician, and/or a mental health professional.
• For further information please visit www.foryourchild.org or www.madd.org