How to Prevent Underage Drinking in North Carolina’s Small Towns

Two teen girls huddle in closely together outside, with their arms around one another, as they pose for a portrait. They are both dressed casually and are smiling.
Published On: August 1, 2025Categories: Teenage Drinking, Uncategorized

In small towns across North Carolina, like Mount Airy or Henderson, families look out for one another. But even in these trusted circles, teens are quietly experimenting with alcohol more than you might expect. 

Research shows that teens are just as likely to participate in underage drinking in a small community like Lenoir as they are in Raleigh. Discover what’s really happening with teen drinking in rural North Carolina and how you can make a difference. 

Teen Drinking in Rural North Carolina: What Data Shows  

In 2023, Talk it Out NC surveyed hundreds of parents and teens from all over North Carolina. Nearly half of the participants lived in rural communities, but most had never heard of North Carolina’s statewide initiative to prevent underage drinking. 

Living in a small town doesn’t shield your teens from the risks of underage drinking. Teens who live in rural communities are equally, if not more likely, to drink while underage compared to big-city teens. 

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Why Teens in Small Towns Are at Higher Risk for Alcohol Misuse 

Whether you’re from a smaller town like Morganton, or the higher populated Raleigh-Durham area, all teens deal with peer pressure, academic stress, and mental health challenges. One difference, though, is that teens in more remote communities often have less access to recreational activities and fewer resources for prevention and recovery. They may also experience greater social stigma around difficult topics. 

The Role of Peer Pressure in Tight-Knit Communities  

For one, peer pressure may be more intense in small towns. After years in the same classes at the same schools, teens who live in rural areas may be more sensitive to sticking out in tight-knit communities. Alternatively, teens may be more likely to feel they need to do something drastically different than everyone else to prove their uniqueness. 

Lack of Conversation Leads to Curiosity  

Curiosity is a huge reason why teens experiment with alcohol. For some parents, talking about alcohol misuse is strongly discouraged. Often there is a stigma surrounding conversations about underage drinking that still exists in rural communities.  

Parents may believe that talking openly with teens will normalize harmful behaviors. However, 94% of North Carolina teens report that having open conversations can prevent underage drinking. Not talking about alcohol with teens can drive them to seek information from less reliable sources or feel isolated in their struggles.  

When Teen Drinking Becomes ‘Just Part of Life’  

In some rural areas, alcohol can be a frequent presence at family gatherings or community events. Teens pick up on these patterns. They may assume underage drinking is a “normal” or even expected part of growing up. Social media and mainstream entertainment also falsely portray underage drinking as a common high school or college experience. 

Fewer Prevention Programs  

In small towns, teens often don’t have easy access to dedicated prevention or recovery programs. While schools and county websites may link to national organizations, few rural areas offer on-the-ground services or youth-specific outreach.

How North Carolina Parents Can Prevent Underage Drinking 

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some steps you can implement today: 

Talk About Underage Drinking  

Talking about alcohol misuse is the key to underage drinking prevention in North Carolina. Teens are listening more than you think they are! Even if you don’t have the perfect words, being honest with teens without lectures and scare tactics is the best way to help keep them safe. 

Secure Alcohol and Set Clear Rules at Home  

Do you have alcohol in the house? Research says that North Carolina teens get alcohol at home more often than anywhere else. Monitor and lock up your supply to prevent underage drinking under your roof. Letting them drink with you isn’t keeping them safe or teaching them responsible habits. It puts you all at risk.  

Involve Coaches, Teachers, and Trusted Adults  

Discuss the effects of alcohol on teens with other parents, family members, and community leaders in your life. Together, you can create an environment that prioritizes facts and healthy behaviors. 

Bring Alcohol Awareness into Your Community  

Talk it Out NC serves North Carolina families statewide with facts about underage drinking in 2025. We provide local insights from prevention experts and free resources to help parents talk about alcohol misuse at various age levels. Our knowledgeable, dedicated ambassadors work all across the state, in towns both large and small, to spread our message of Starting the Conversation about underage drinking. 

If you hadn’t heard of Talk it Out NC, chances are your friends haven’t either. Share our resources, such as our conversation starters and up-to-date, local research. You can even invite a Talk it Out Ambassador to speak at your school about preventing underage drinking! 

Start the Conversation Today to Protect Your Teen  

Whether you live in downtown Durham or Whitesville, Fayetteville or Bryson City your influence matters. The steps you take today can help keep your teens on the path to success. Start with an open conversation today.