The inherent risks of underage drinking include injuries from car accidents, sexual assault, homicide, suicide, and the potential for alcohol abuse and dependence. In addition to physical and emotional costs, underage drinking costs the citizens of Wisconsin approximately $1 billion every year. These costs can linger into adulthood – young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence.

The live, call-in program features a guest panel that will discuss the following:

• What are the root causes of underage drinking and its associated risks?
• Are young people more vulnerable to develop alcohol dependency than adults?
• What are the signs that a person might be developing an alcohol problem?
• Where can young people find help dealing with alcohol problems?

The panel includes a young adult who is in recovery for alcohol abuse and expert advisors, including: Dan Terrio, director of Brown County Teen Leadership; Lt. Investigator Jamie Graff, Kaukauna Police Department; Tom Ritchie, clinical supervisor at Libertas Treatment Center; Taylor Putz, a youth leader at Marian University; and members from Winnebago County re:TH!NK, a project of the Winnebago County Health Department.

Toll-free phone service is provided by Nsight Long Distance.

Host Kathryn Bracho appears courtesy of WBAY-TV/Green Bay.

WPT is a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.