Released on: April 22, 2008, 2:27 pm

Press Release Author: Arbor Books

Industry: Law

Press Release Summary: WILL YOUR KIDS SPEND THE SUMMER DRINKING AND USING DRUGS?

Press Release Body: (OAK RIDGE, NJ)-With the end of the school year approaching, the
nation's children look forward to no more teachers, no more books-and a lot of time
at home alone.

"Most parents work, and unfortunately don't really know what their kids are up to
all day," says Stephen Della Valle, author of the new addiction and recovery memoir
Rising Above the Influence. "Summer is a prime time for unsupervised parties, which
often include alcohol and even drug abuse."

Surveys have shown that thousands of kids try marijuana for the first time during
summer break. In addition, twenty-four percent of teenagers report having their
first alcoholic drinks while on summer vacation.

"Parents need to be aware of what substances they have at home, and keep track of
them," says Mr. Della Valle. "There's nothing wrong with getting locks for your
liquor or medicine cabinets, just to make sure that no one gets into them."

When it comes to underage drinking and drug use, the statistics are often shocking:
. Forty-one percent of students try alcohol before entering eighth grade
. Seventy-five percent of students consume alcohol by the end of high school
. 7.2 million teens are considered binge drinkers; 2.3 million are heavy drinkers
. Fifty percent of high school students try an illicit drug by the time they graduate
. Twenty-six percent of kids know a friend or classmate who abuses prescription
medications

In addition, kids between the ages of twelve and seventeen who know that their
parents strongly disapprove of drug and alcohol use are less likely to fall victim
to substance abuse.

"The best thing a parent can do," notes Mr. Della Valle, "is talk to their kids
about these issues, and let them know what is expected of them."

Stephen Della Valle is president of the board of directors at Turning Point
rehabilitation center in Verona, New Jersey. Currently celebrating twenty years of
sobriety, he lives in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, with his wife, Donna. He has three
children.

Rising Above the Influence is available now (ISBN: 0-9801776-0-X; softcover; Oak
Ridge Press) on Amazon.com, Borders.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and at fine bookstores
everywhere.




Web Site: www.arborbooks.com

Contact Details: Arbor Books
244 Madison Avenue, #254
New York, NY 10016
877-822-2500