Alcohol
Call Mary at 686-0295.
Welcome
Thank you for visiting the Santa Ynez Valley Coalition to Promote Drug Free Youth’s web site. We encourage you to return to the site often as a resource and as way to share concerns and information with others through our Community Forum, where entries can be posted on an ongoing basis.
Parent Pledge DirectorySummer Safety Tips 
Summer can be a wonderful time for parents and teens to reconnect after a busy school year. It is also a very important time when parents need to be very aware of who their teens are involved with and to talk to them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, the consequences of using, and the risks to their future. Bad choices, like using drugs or alcohol, could change their lives forever.
The good news is:
Most teens don’t drink and will enjoy a safe summer.
The bad news is:
Valley teens that do drink are drinking at higher rates than other teens in Santa Barbara County, and binge drink more frequently than other teens in the County.
There are nearly 50% more drunk driving deaths involving teens during the summer months than during any other time of the year. For too many parents, summer's unstructured time may also be a deadly time for their teenage children and their friends.
The Valley Coalitionwould like to offer parents some safety tips that will help keep their teens safe from alcohol and drugs.
- Know the facts - learn about the risks of underage drinking and help your child to understand.
- Create clear family rules and expectations by setting a "no alcohol" rule with zero tolerance.
- Be aware and ask questions; know who they will be with, where they will be, and at what time.
- Find out about the party your teen may attend and talk to the parents about what supervision is provided. Utilize the Parent Directory link on our website for safe homes.
- Let them know that they can call you for a ride if needed – no questions asked!
- Lock up your liquor cabinet. The #1 place teens access alcohol is from the home environment.
- Provide safe and fun activities for social engagement.
- Talk to your teen. You are the best defense they have in resisting alcohol and drug use.
- Be a strong role model . . . Your kids need you.
You Hold the Key to Your Child's Drug-Free Future
Prescription drug abuse in on the rise and may very soon be the #1 drug of choice for teens.
Review the following guidelines for prescription drug abuse prevention and discuss them with family & friends.
- LOCK YOUR MEDS
Prevent your children from abusing your own medication by securing your meds in places your child cannot access.
- TAKE INVENTORY
Download your Home Medicine Inventory Card, write down the name and amount of medications you currently have and regularly check to see that nothing is missing.
- EDUCATE YOURSELF & YOUR CHILD
Learn about the most commonly abused types of prescription medications (pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants and tranquilizers). Then, communicate the dangers to your child regularly; once is not enough.
- SET CLEAR RULES & MONITOR BEHAVIOR
Express your disapproval of using prescription drugs without a prescription. Monitor your child's behavior to ensure that the rules are being followed.
- PASS IT ON
Share your knowledge, experience and support with the parents of your child's friends. Together, you can create a tipping point for change and raise safe, healthy and drug-free children.
- PROPERLY DISPOSE OF OLD AND UNUSED MEDICATIONS
Official drop off boxes are located infront of the Buellton and Solvang sheriffs stations for your convenience. Regular disposal of unused medication helps to keep meds out of reach of youth.
- WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD ALREADY HAS A PROBLEM
If you suspect your teen is using drugs, do not wait to do something about it. Visit the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration at www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov for a listing of treatment centers in your area, or call (800) 662 - HELP (4357).
How to Get Involved
The SYV Coalition welcomes community members to join us as we work to make a positive change for youth in our community.
Join the Coalition
Learn about current issues, the goals and strategies of the Coalition and join others who are taking a leadership role in preventing underage use of alcohol and drugs.Meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 4 PM at PHP Service Center, 545 N. Alisal Road, Solvang
Join a Work Group
Choose from one of five Work Groups that are involved in the “hands on” activities of the Coalition.
- Executive Committee
- Youth Participation
- Policy Development
- Data Collection and Evaluation
- Community Outreach