MHYP analyzes local data and national research to identify risk and protective factors to inform prevention strategies. Ongoing program evaluation is a critical part of our evolving initiatives.

Local Conditions

Marin 11th graders report being “very drunk or high” at least 7 times.

Marin 11th graders report binge drinking at twice the rate of their peers across the state.

Marin 9th graders report using alcohol or drugs in the past 30 days.

Research

MHYP strategies and initiatives are grounded in science and research to determine root causes and evidence-based actions. What is clear by looking at the research is that parents have a great deal of influence. With knowledge and simple strategies, we can make a difference together.

  • This study shows that many parents who drink alcohol in front of their children view moderate drinking as acceptable, which can contribute to normalizing alcohol use and influence children’s behaviors surrounding drinking practices.(NIH, 2021)

    Sage’s Early Adolescence Journal underlines the importance of parental influence on substance use, stressing the impact of modeling attitudes and its effect on adolescent initiation and prolonged alcohol, marijuana, and cigarette use. (SAGE)

    SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that when teens perceive strong parental disapproval of alcohol use, they are much less likely to drink. (SAMHSA)

    This study published by the NIH highlights that parental behaviors, like providing kids with alcohol, or having favorable attitudes towards drinking, increases the risk of adolescent alcohol misuse. While parental monitoring and active involvement serve as protective factors. (NIH, 2017)

  • Over 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision to drink or not drink. So they really are listening, and it’s important that you send a clear and strong message about the risks of underage drinking.  (SAMHSA) 

    The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism asserts that children raised by authoritative parents who model responsible alcohol behavior fare better in preventing underage drinking, as they develop strong problem-solving and emotional expression skills. (NIH) 

    SAMHSA’s library resource supports that parents discuss alcohol with their children, as early as age 9, to discourage underage alcohol consumption, provide accurate information, and equip them with tools to battle peer pressure. (SAMHSA) 

  • A review of 22 studies found that parental alcohol provision was linked to increased adolescent drinking, heavy episodic drinking, and alcohol-related problems. (Journal of Studies Alcohol Drug)

    Parental permission to drink alcohol increases adolescents' risk of future alcohol use and related harms, regardless of age of onset. (Addictive Behaviors) 


    Adolescent alcohol misuse risk increases with parental provision, favorable attitudes, and parental drinking but decreases with monitoring, support, involvement, and strong parent-child relationships. (Society for the Study of Addiction)

  • Starting to drink at a young age increases the risk of alcohol dependence, with nearly half diagnosed by 21 and two-thirds by 25, often leading to chronic and recurring dependence. (JAMA)

    Earlier drinking onset greatly increases the risk of alcohol dependence and abuse. Lifetime dependence drops from over 40% at age 14 or younger to 10% at 20 or older, while abuse declines from 11% to 4%. Each additional year of delayed drinking onset reduces dependence risk by 14% and abuse risk by 8%. (J Subst Abuse)

    Binge drinking in adults is linked to early substance use, especially alcohol. This study helps identify adolescents at high risk, particularly those using tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana before age 12. (Scientific Reports)

Risk of addiction by age of first use

Local Data

MHYP relies on self-reported youth use through the California Healthy Kids Survey – along with focus groups, key informant interviews, environmental scans and surveillance data to determine local conditions and needs.

  • The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is administered every 2 years to 7th, 9th and 11th graders in Marin County Schools.

    While Marin consistently ranks among the healthiest counties in California, the exception is the higher than average rates of underage substance use – at times, double the state average. Community attitudes and norms, ease of access and low perception of harm are all contributing factors.

    CHKS data reveals patterns of underage substance use over time and across the state, county and district level.

    See link for more data

  • Fentanyl is associated with approximately 60% of overdose deaths in the Marin. OD Free Marin shares data intended to track trends and provide information for shared understanding and action across our county.