As a parent, if you're not sure what you believe about alcohol use, how will you handle the subject with your child? Maybe you experimented with drinking as a teen, or you use alcohol regularly as an adult. Maybe you never tried alcohol, or you have strong feelings against its use. Maybe you're wondering whether teen drinking is a rite of passage, or you're simply confused over conflicting information about alcohol use, abuse, and addiction. The best way for you to help your teen make healthy choices is to be informed. This much-needed book about America's most accessible and socially sanctioned psychoactive drug helps parents sort through the latest facts, the known risks, and the divergent perspectives on alcohol use. The basic message? For teens, drinking alcohol equals risk. Your basic message? That's up to you.