Teen Season is upon us.... Proms, graduations, parties abound in June. And if you haven't already, now is a great time to engage in meaningful conversations with your teens about the dangers of alcohol and drug use.

The Riverhead Community Awareness Program and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are co-sponsoring an interactive presentation called The Power of Parenting. This short, informal session which will be held on June 11 from 7 to 8pm in the high school auditorium, will provide parents with important information and resources to help start the conversation.

But if you'd like to get started before then, here is some key information you need to convey to your teenager.

- Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows your brain function. Acute intoxication can cause slowed reflexes, coordination and memory. Sleep, mood, cognition and memory can also be impaired. While natural defenses are uninhibited, teens are more likely to participate in risky behaviors such as practicing unsafe sex, driving or texting while intoxicated, and mixing drugs and alcohol. There is increased risk of injury, falls, accidents, drownings and burns. Furthermore, since judgement can be impaired, teens are more likely to engage in violence while under the influence.

- Consuming more than 5 drinks in one sitting, also known as binge drinking, can have detrimental effects to your health. Acutely, alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate which can lead to an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Excess amounts of alcohol will suppress the central nervous system such that temperature, blood pressure and respirations can be affected. This increases the risk of seizures, coma and death.

- What may start as a socially accepted behavior, underage drinking can quickly turn to physiologic dependence and addiction. The long term effects of alcohol dependence affect almost every organ system. Because the adolescent body is still developing, early alcohol use can lead to severe brain, heart and liver damage.

- Alcohol negatively affects the electrical and mechanical function of the heart which can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and fatal arrhythmias. Chronic alcoholism can harden arteries and therefore cause problems with high blood pressure and its complications.

- Alcohol can be responsible for a form of brain damage that manifests as dementia. Because of its effect on atherosclerosis, drinkers are also at increased risk of stroke. Alcohol can also cause impaired vitamin absorption and therefore lead to a form of nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy.

- Liver function is essential for clearing the body of toxins. If the liver has to process and metabolize too much alcohol, its ability to function properly becomes impaired. It will no longer be able to make the chemical necessary for blood to clot, and be at increased risk of hepatitis, cirrhosis and ultimately liver cancer.

- Because of its effect on blood sugar, alcohol directly affects pancreatic function. Acute or chronic strain on the pancreas can lead to inflammation called pancreatitis which can lead to diabetes or even cancer.

- Alcohol increases the amounts of acids secreted by your stomach which can damage the stomach's protective lining. This can predispose an alcoholic to ulceration and bleeding. Combine that with the liver's inability to produce clotting factors and alcoholics are at very high risk for spontaneous bleeding.

- Alcohol acts a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. Impaired kidney function can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, which can be fatal.

- Because of its effect on neurotransmitters, neurochemicals and hormones, alcohol use can cause psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. As your body processes alcohol is turns to sugar affects sleep patterns. It also releases a hormone called norepinephrine which gives your body a boost of energy that will certainly inhibit sleep quality.

- Research indicates that alcohol increases the risk of several types of cancer including throat and esophageal, liver, colon and breast cancer.

There are also some startling statistics regarding the age at which a teen starts drinking. Studies indicate a five-fold increase in risk of chronic alcoholism if an adolescent is exposed to drinking before the age of 15.

Finally, parents should keep the following in mind. Although your children are coming of age and you may find it appropriate to offer alcohol to minors in your home, under New York State Law parents may be held liable for providing alcohol to minors. You may also be held responsible for any injuries or crimes that occur as a result of alcohol consumption that occurs in your home.

Avoid the temptation to offer alcohol to minors by organizing a substance-free pre- or post-prom party at a location other than your home. If alcohol isn't present, then no one will be tempted to imbibe. And most importantly, be a positive role model for responsible consumption of alcohol. If you drink, do so responsibly. There is never a better time than NOW to safeguard your teenagers and your home against underage drinking. Have informed discussions with your children about these dangers and how they can increase risk of illness, injury and death.

Alexis Hugelmeyer, D.O. is Administrative Director of Medical Education/Director of Traditional Rotating Internship at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead.