BURLINGTON DRUG & ALCOHOL
TASK FORCE
COMMUNITY COALITIONS
Marilyn G. Belmonte
Co-Chairperson
Phone:  781-572-1478
Marilyn@DrugAbuseRecognition.com

Charlie Franich
Co-Chairperson
Phone:  781-270-1964
cfranich@BurlMass.org
“I remain in awe of the
wonderful work you
are doing, your
innovative and creative
approach! The
communities and
youth of the North
Shore are very lucky to
have a motivational
speaker of your caliber
and insight so close
and available to us!”
Pam Lundquist,
Georgetown CARES
About us......
In 1982, Burlington was one of the first communities in MA to start a youth substance
abuse prevention coalition. Members of the BDATF are from the schools, police,
clergy, town employees, selectmen, business, youth and parents. Our mission is to
reduce underage drinking and youth drug abuse while empowering parents to raise
healthy, substance-free teens!

MEETING SCHEDULE 2010-2011:
12 noon in the Burlington High School
Conference Room

September 2
October 12
February 8
March 8
April 12
June 14

ALL ARE WELCOME!
LUNCH IS INCLUDED!
Prevention Connection:  Summertime is Risky Business

Summertime…..and the living is easy.  School is out.  Kids are home.  Most extracurricular
activities are on hiatus.  So what are teenagers doing with their time over the summer months?  
Most adolescents have too much free, unsupervised time on their hands.  That can lead to
problems.  

 "Seasonality of Youth's First-Time Use of Marijuana, Cigarettes or Alcohol," from the
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows a 40 percent
increase in first-time youth marijuana use during June and July, compared to the rest of the
year.  The number of new underage drinkers and cigarette smokers also jumps during the
summer months.

What can parents do to reduce the risk of underage drinking and drug use?  

Teens are less likely to use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco if their parents set clear rules about
these risky behaviors. According to recent research, when a young person decides whether or
not to use drugs, a crucial consideration is: What will my parents think?  
If you make your position on drug use clear and set rules and consequences for breaking them
in advance, your teen is less likely to step over that line.
Here are some helpful tips from Parents: The Anti-Drug. (www.theantidrug.com)
1.        Don’t make empty threats.  But be careful not to impose harsh or unexpected new
punishments either. Stick to your original plan and show your teen there will be fair
consequences for their actions.
2.        Reprimands should involve mild, negative consequences. Taking away privileges or
grounding teens for a weekend typically fit the bill. Overly severe punishments can undermine
the parent-child relationship and lead to rebellious behavior.
3.        Set a curfew and enforce it strictly. Be consistent on this rule, whether it’s to be home in
time for dinner or to be home by midnight on a Saturday night. Be prepared to negotiate for
special occasions like prom and holidays.
4.        Have teens check in at regular times. If your teen has a cell phone, establish clear rules
for using it such as, “When I call you, I expect a call or text back within 10 minutes”.
5.        Check in with the party host. If your teen tells you he or she will be at a party or at a friend’
s house, do not be afraid to call those parents to make sure adult supervision is in place and no
alcohol will be served.
6.        Make it easy to leave a party or hangout where drugs are being used. Discuss in advance
how to signal you or another adult who will pick your teen up when he or she feels
uncomfortable.
7.        Establish house rules. If your teen is at home alone for long periods of time, set clear
rules about who else is allowed in the house – and who is not. Also be sure to set clear rules
about what is off limits – such as the car or liquor cabinet.
8.        Recognize good behavior. If your teen is respecting your rules, compliment him or her for
behaving admirably instead of focusing on what’s wrong. When you are quicker to praise than
to criticize, young people learn to feel good about themselves and develop the self-confidence
to trust their own judgment as they grow into adulthood.
Marilyn with
Charlie
celebrating
the coalition's
25th year with
a new logo.
28 YEARS OF PREVENTION!
To View Video:
ALCOHOL-FREE WEEKEND
2010