United States – October 29, 2026 -- Parents have more sway over teen drinking than many assume: 74% of teens say their parents are the biggest influence on whether they drink alcohol. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) built its Power of Parents program around that finding, with conversation tools for caregivers.
One in three teens mixes alcohol with other drugs
Studies cited by MADD show that 1 in 3 teens combine alcohol with other substances such as cannabis, nicotine and other stimulants. On those occasions they experience 2 to 3 times more consequences. MADD calls all of these harms preventable.
Asking permission turns a lecture into a conversation
The program suggests opening with respect: “There’s something important on my mind—could we talk for a few minutes?” Pick a calm moment with few distractions. Then ask open-ended how, what and why questions, such as how your teen would handle an invite where older kids might be present. When teens build their own plans, they rehearse for the real situation.
Expect pushback, including fear of a lecture, worry about punishment or “you don’t trust me.” MADD recommends answering gently, for example by saying the goal is to be on the same page, not to catch them.
Facts tied to teen goals carry the most weight
Underage drinking is illegal and can bring license problems, trouble at school or in sports, and legal costs. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination and reaction time from the first drink, and teens absorb it faster than adults. Adolescent drinkers perform worse in school and face a higher risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts and violence. MADD advises linking these facts to what teens care about, such as driving privileges, sports, grades and college applications.
Written agreements set rules and consequences in advance
The program recommends writing down clear expectations: no alcohol before 21, no other substance use, no impaired driving, and never riding with someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Agree on proportional consequences ahead of time, such as curfew changes, car access or screen limits, and revisit them periodically.
A “call me anytime” policy puts safety first. Offering a ride does not mean you allow drinking, and consequences are discussed later as agreed. Teens are far more likely to call when they trust you won’t explode on the drive home.
Teens binge in bursts, and coffee does not sober anyone up
Teens drink less often than adults but in larger bursts, which raises the risk of alcohol poisoning, blackouts and high-risk decisions. MADD suggests teaching warning signs and exit lines such as “I’m out—early game.” Coffee, showers and food do not speed up the liver. Only time does, and nobody should drive or ride with an impaired person while waiting.
MADD’s tonight task: ask one how, what or why question about the coming weekend, update your agreements and consequences, and save the “call me anytime” message in both phones.