W2 for Drug Free Youth - About Us

  • W2 for Drug Free Youth is a community coalition created as a part of the Washington State Community Prevention & Wellness Initiative working to prevent use of alcohol and other drugs by our youth by:
  • serving as a forum to promote collaboration among multiple sectors of the community, and
  • developing and/or adopting multiple prevention strategies to address the problem of youth substance use in the Walla Walla community.

    A community working together can create a positive and healthy environment. When it comes to alcohol use, community members, regardless of their roles, can have a strong influence on the actions of others. Underage drinking and other problems associated with alcohol use can be minimized when a community works in partnership. First, however, it is important to understand the issues.

    Alcohol use in the U.S. is tied closely with social values, attitudes, and norms.
    Examples of norms that sanction underage drinking and encourage misuse of alcohol include:

    • Acceptance of underage drinking as a “rite of passage”
    • Use of alcohol as a social lubricant
    • Overemphasis on alcohol as a means to celebrate
    • Dependence on alcohol to deal with personal problems

    Other norms can discourage underage drinking and encourage responsible use of alcohol:

    • Seeing alcohol as part of a meal and not an end in itself
    • Unacceptability of intoxication and aggressive and unruly behavior
    • Availability of recreational opportunities as alternatives to alcohol use
    • Clear expectations and standards for acceptable behavior

    Issues around underage drinking 
    Alcohol is the substance of choice for youth. More youth use alcohol than tobacco and all other illegal drugs. Underage drinking:

    • Is against the law
    • Is harmful to the growing body and brain
    • Is major cause of death and injuries among young people
    • Increases the chances of alcohol dependence later in life
    • Affects judgment and decision-making
    • Contributes to risky sexual behavior