Developed in partnership with Coach Across America and sponsored by the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), the guide provides evidence-informed strategies to help staff identify warning signs and promote mental wellness. The content reflects feedback from high school coaches who participated in focus groups, ensuring that the suggested interventions remain practical and easy to integrate into existing athletic programs.
MADD Releases Coaches' Guide to Curb Underage Substance Use
Coaches occupy a unique space in the lives of the 60% of high schoolers participating in sports, acting as both mentors and primary influencers. To leverage this role, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) launched a new resource on National Coaches Day designed to help prevent underage drinking through positive team culture.
MADD CEO Stacey D. Stewart noted that the guide encourages a collaborative approach, urging coaches to coordinate with parents to reinforce healthy norms. Research indicates that teens whose parents engage in consistent dialogue regarding alcohol and drugs are up to 80% less likely to consume alcohol before age 21. By bridging the gap between home and the field, the initiative aims to build a support network that helps student-athletes navigate social pressures. The free resource is now available for download, marking another step in MADD’s long-standing prevention efforts.
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