Parents & Community
Don’t let your past stop you from talking to your child about underage drinking.
You don’t need a big speech to help a kid understand the dangers of underage drinking. Start small instead. Having a lot of small, causal talks—at the store, in the drive-thru, or between video games—can make a big difference in a kid’s health.
It's never too early, or too late, to start the conversation.
Small Talks can even help you answer difficult questions.
Learn more: SmallTalksWI.org
Monitor & Secure
Taking precautions in your own home by monitoring, securing, and safely disposing of unused medications is an important piece of preventing youth substance misuse.
When coupled with frequent and honest conversations about substance use, monitoring and securing your medications and alcohol is a proven strategy to help keep kids safe.
Secure Your Alcohol and Medications
REACH offers:
Medication Lock Boxes
Locked Travel Bags
Fridge/Cabinet Locks
Free to Calumet County Residents!
Safely Dispose Your Medications
REACH offers:
Drug deactivation kits
Mail-back envelope
Drug Take Back Events
Free to Calumet County Residents!
Understand Why
Youth substance use isn’t a rite of passage. It’s not just curiosity or bad behavior, either. It is a community-wide challenge that affects families of all shapes and sizes. There are many reasons why children try substances, from peer pressure to unregulated marketing tactics. Kids may see it as a way to cope with trauma or difficulties in school, at home or in their community. No matter what, families aren’t to blame. But they can make a difference.
Know Warning Signs
Big changes like…
Big mood swings and/or a defensive attitude.
Problems at school, like falling grades or poor attendance.
Breaking family rules.
Getting rid of old friends or not introducing you to new ones.
A lack of interest in their appearance or favorite activities.
Memory lapses and poor concentration or coordination.
Signs of drinking like…
The smell of alcohol.
Slurred speech.
Hangover symptoms, like bloodshot eyes.
Alcohol missing from your home.
Finding alcohol in hidden places, like a closet or backpack.
Hanging out with friends that use alcohol or other substances
Get Help Now
The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline
If you think your child is already drinking or struggling with substance use, don’t blame them or yourself. Focus on getting your family help instead. Find help from local resources, services, and support for children, adults, and families. It’s free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Call: 833-944-4673
Text: Your ZIP code to 898211
Online search: addictionhelpwi.org
Online chat: Enter the chat room
Get involved with REACH
Preventing substance use is a community effort. There are many ways that you can partner with us to take action.