Alcohol awareness is important because it helps people — especially youth — understand the risks of drinking and how to make safer, healthier choices.
Many people don’t realize how early alcohol use can begin. According to the TN Together Student Survey, the average age of first alcohol use in Cumberland County is just 12.9 years old. This is a critical time in brain development, and drinking at a young age can increase the risk of long-term problems, including addiction, mental health issues, and poor decision-making.
When young people, parents, and communities are educated about the dangers of alcohol misuse, they’re more likely to: