WHAT YOU CAN DO

Strategies That Work

Research and experience show that successful alcohol prevention efforts should incorporate one or more of the three science-based strategies listed below. 

Learn more about what you can do in the home, in the school, in the community, and in the health care setting. The Community Efforts page provides examples of ways in which State and local community organizations have implemented the three strategies to prevent underage drinking.

Reduce the availability of alcohol

The most documented principle in alcohol use prevention is this:  Make it harder for young people to get alcohol, and they will drink less.  Communities (groups), and individuals can make alcohol less available by promoting responsible adult behavior and holding adults accountable when they provide alcohol to minors; by raising the price of beer, wine, and liquor; or by reducing the number of places where alcohol is sold or served.

Improve the effectiveness of law enforcement

Communities can better enforce policies designed to stop drinking among children and adolescents.  Studies find that existing laws regulating underage drinking are often not enforced.  When these laws are ignored, it not only enables young people to drink, but also communicates a general indifference. 

Change social norms

Children draw conclusions about alcohol-related social norms from what they see and hear about alcohol in their families and communities.  These norms strongly influence their own attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol.  When communities consistently prevent underage access to alcohol, publicize and enforce alcohol-related laws, and limit the promotion of alcohol, they reinforce the message that alcohol use by young people is unacceptable.