Alcohol is the number-one drug of choice for teens, and it is also extremely dangerous. For instance, youth who drink are more likely to have a car crash, get into a fight, have unsafe sex or experience problems in school. The problem of youth substance abuse is often blamed on their inability to “just say no.” The Snohomish County Club showed youth the toll of alcohol use through hosting a viewing of “Smashed – Toxic Tales of Teens and Alcohol.” By showing this HBO documentary on four separate screens and by providing free childcare and refreshments, the Club was able to engage a large number of youth and their parents.

A spirited, yet sobering discussion followed the screening of the documentary. Youth and parents discussed how youth can avoid the dangers they observed in the film. By providing trained facilitators for this discussion, the Club helped parents go beyond handwringing to solutions. Likewise, teens were offered proven tools to help them make healthy, age-appropriate choices.

With timely discussions such as these, the Snohomish County Club is at the forefront of equipping youth and their parents with the knowledge they need to build strong, healthy families.