The Figures Behind The Facts About Underage Drinking.
Talk It Out NC builds on the work done, the challenges faced, and the successes earned by many underage drinking initiatives conducted throughout the country. We’ve collected resources from regional coalitions in North Carolina, efforts in other states, and national campaigns that we found particularly helpful. We also provide links to the original qualitative and quantitative research conducted as part of this initiative.
In particular, we’d like to acknowledge the support of ParentsEmpowered.org and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Our Research
In 2014, the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission‘s Initiative to Reduce Underage Drinking undertook first-of-its-kind quantitative and qualitative research throughout the state to understand the magnitude of the problem, and the mindset of parents and children.
In 2015, 2016, and 2017, the ABC Commission conducted follow-up research to determine the degree to which the Talk It Out campaign had penetrated the state. This quantitative research sought to identify ways in which the campaign had made an impact on parents in North Carolina and their understanding of underage drinking.
The State of Underage Drinking in North Carolina
In spring 2017, the NC ABC Commission conducted a statewide poll of middle and high school students and parents of middle and high school students.
The results of this research, which are available in the links below, were used to identify points of success, areas for improvement and insights for further initiative development.
In spring 2016, the NC ABC Commission embarked on its third round of custom research. Research began with focus groups of middle-school-aged boys, middle-school-aged girls, and parents of middle school students. The Commission then conducted a statewide poll of middle and high school students and parents of middle and high school students.
The results of this research—available in the links below—were used to identify points of success, areas for improvement and insights for further initiative development.
In spring 2015, the NC ABC Commission conducted a statewide poll of middle and high school students and parents of middle and high school students.
The results of this research, which are available in the links below, were used to identify points of success, areas for improvement and insights for further initiative development.
In summer 2014, the NC ABC Commission conducted a statewide poll of middle and high school students and parents of middle and high school students. Immediately following the poll, the NC ABC Commission conducted focus groups with middle-school-aged boys, middle-school-aged girls, and parents of middle school students.
The results of this research, which are available in the links below, helped to inform the messaging, materials, and components of the Talk It Out initiative.
Other Research on Underage Drinking
North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS):
Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE):
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services:
North Carolina Parent Resource Center
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
U.S. Surgeon General:
Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences:
Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility:
Tools & Resources for Parents
Talk It Out NC:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
Parents Empowered (Utah Underage Drinking Campaign):
Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility:
Downloadable Resources
We have created posters, brochures, infographics, and presentations that are available for use by our partners and coalition members to help raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking.
View list of downloadable resources.