On Oct. 21, Skaneateles parents and teens had the opportunity to listen to Chris and Toren Volkmann, the authors of “From Binge to Blackout” in the Skaneateles High School Auditorium sponsored by PACT (Parents and Community and Teens Together).

As the mother and son told their riveting story of how alcohol took over their entire family's lives, the audience frantically took notes on the statistics of alcohol use and binge drinking: 30 percent of college students abuse alcohol and 6 percent meet the criteria for alcohol dependency; 48 percent of college students said they drink alcohol to get drunk, 80 percent of high school seniors have tried alcohol, more than 10 million current drinkers are between 12 and 20 years of age and nearly one in every five teenagers (16 percent) has experienced blackouts after which they could not remember the night before. Alcohol affects adolescents differently than adults. We now know how damaging alcohol is to the adolescent brain.

As adults left the auditorium that night, most shared with me that they were anxious to get home and start talking to their family about the impact of alcohol and the strategies they learned. While surveying the youth, they were very honest in saying that they were not aware of the affects on the brain or the statistics of what happens when you start drinking at an early age.

All of us should start a dialogue with our kids early about alcohol. Remember that alcohol is not a benign substance and everyone should learn about the consequences of youth alcohol abuse. Do not perceive underage and binge drinking as inevitable. Don't be afraid to ask questions about alcohol use or to seek professional help early if problems arise. Parents are the most listened-to resource by teens in alcohol decision-making.

It's time for parents and kids to talk together about the decision to drink alcohol, not just about car crashes, but about how alcohol is a potent drug that causes changes in the brain and affects many behaviors that can be long-lasting and tragic.

If you are interested in continuing conversation about the risks of underage drinking, please join us at Creekside Books & Coffee at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, for a “Community Read” featuring the Volkmann's book, “From Binge to Blackout.” We will discuss the book in a relaxed atmosphere where we will share additional statistics, warning signs and discuss what other parents are doing to prevent underage drinking. If you didn't pick-up a copy of the book after the Volkmann's presentation, you can purchase the book at Creekside.

Lisa Wellington is president of PACT