Some Great News Concerning Underage Drinking In North Dakota

North Dakota has quite a reputation for drinking.

Let's face it, drinking is often times is glorified and something people obsess over in this state. According to health officials, this sort of behavior by adults is observed by their children, and unfortunately, this can lead to children thinking alcohol is a normal activity and acceptable behavior even at a young age.

Our state has often led the nation in many drinking categories.

I've written stories over the years about how we are known as the "drunkest state", a leader among "binge drinking" states, and many other "lush" articles. It's not a reputation you want to be known for, that's for sure.

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Governor Kelly Armstrong declared this October as "Substance Youth Prevention Month".

We actually have some great news concerning underage drinking in North Dakota. According to the North Dakota Health and Human Services, alcohol use among North Dakota High School students is at 20 percent, down from 35 percent, and a significant decrease over the last decade.

And, while we are on the subject of alcohol, there are no safe amounts of alcohol use.

It's one of the most dangerous substances on earth and is responsible for thousands of deaths in the United States alone, over 178,000 each year. According to the University of Miami, alcohol is linked to at least 7 types of cancer. Those are some sobering statistics. Not to mention heart disease and numerous other types of diseases.

Parents, how you act and how you consume alcohol will go a long way in deciding how your children will view and use alcohol. Do it responsibly.