Ten counties are targeted for underage drinking prevention program

Underage drinking is a major problem throughout the U.S. Many teens engage in this behavior as a result of peer pressure or as part of an effort to fit into a certain circle of people. However, many studies have shown that alcohol use during adolescence may affect brain development, which can be irreversible.

To curb this behavior, the Georgia Governor's Office for Children and Families recently awarded a $60,000 grant to The Council on Alcohol and Drugs to help prevent underage drinking through a statewide website. The funding will also be used for radio public service announcements and newspaper advertisements across ten counties.

Officials said that these ten counties were found to be the most at risk for teen drinking after the 2010 Underage Drinking Needs Reassessment was conducted by Georgia State University and The Council on Alcohol and Drugs.

The grant results from funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Enforcing the Underage Drinking Laws Block Grant Program.

Private boarding schools for teens can help teach young people to abstain from alcohol and provide an environment conducive to promoting healthy choices.