Instead of driving impaired, CTDOT offers these safe alternatives: 

• Designate a sober driver. Plan for a sober ride home before you go out. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, don’t risk it.
• Use a rideshare program or public transportation. Plan ahead, download the apps, and be aware of the transit schedules in your area.
• Be a good friend. If you see someone about to get behind the wheel impaired, take their keys away and find them a safe way home. They may be mad at you, but they will thank you later.
• Call 911 to report drunk drivers. If someone witnesses a vehicle operating erratically, slow down and keep your distance from the vehicle. Call 911 to report the issue when it is safe to do so.

Update to Social Host Law In Connecticut

The Social Host Law in Connecticut has been updated since it was passed in 2012. In 2021 when cannabis became legal in the state of Connecticut, the state widened this law to include cannabis. This means that "under the Social Host Law, it’s a Class A misdemeanor to allow minors to drink alcohol or use cannabis in your home or on your property. For your first violation, you may be fined up to $2,000 and receive up to one year in jail." It now also includes a part in the law which states "if you are found to have provided alcohol to minors, you can be charged with a Class E felony, punishable by a fine up to $3,500 and up to 18 months in jail." it is important to know these changes if you are a parent, under/over the age of 18-21 so that you are aware how this could affect you. Talk with the youth/teens in your life to ensure they understand the gravity of this law and how it could affect all parties involved, especially with holidays coming up. If you'd like to read more on this law please visit.. 

TIPS FOR HOSTING A SAFE HOLIDAY GATHERING

CONFIRM THAT GUESTS HAVE A SAFE WAY HOME

As guests RSVP, confirm that they have a plan for a safe way home via a non-drinking designated driver, such as a friend, rideshare service like Uber or Lyft or public transportation.

CONSIDER GUESTS WHO DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL

Plan activities like party games or door prizes that do not involve alcohol.

OFFER FUN, NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OPTIONS

Create a hot cocoa bar, a custom coffee bar set up or build your own ice cream soda option.

PROVIDE FOOD

Having plenty of food will help keep your guests from drinking on an empty stomach.

CREATE A THEMED “MOCKTAIL”

Mocktails are a fun alternative that provides the same taste of traditional cocktails without the effects of alcohol for your non-drinking designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink.

NEVER SERVE ALCOHOL TO SOMEONE UNDER 21

And never ask anyone under 21 to serve alcohol at parties.

REMEMBER: ONLY TIME SOBERS A PERSON UP

That means you may need to offer the sofa or guest room to party goers who should stay put for the night

HAVE FUN!

As the thoughtful and responsible host that you are, have fun – but not too much fun. Stay within your limits to make sure your guests stay within theirs.

Youth Coalition

Greenwich Together hosted a Community Presentation of the Greenwich Youth Survey Results on October 26th at the YMCA. Thank you to our presenters Nina Chanana, MPA (Local Evaluator), Corina Restrepo, LCSW (GT Prevention Coordinator), Demetria Nelson, LCSW, MA (Commissioner Dept. of Human Services) and our panelist Lindsay Taylor (GT Youth Coalition Co-Chair), Penelope Brody (not pictured) (GT Youth Coalition Co-Chair), Jill Winner, LCSW (Sr. Director of Behavioral Health at Family Centers) and Heidi E. Mangines, AMFT (Liberation Programs).

If you missed our Presentation head to the Greenwich Together website for a copy of the slides and see the video below for a recap of our results.

Click here to view tip sheet for parents

Greenwich Together hosted a community showing of Screenagers: Under the Influence at the Bruce Museum. After the film the audience had a chance to have a discussion with Bettina Gunnerson (GT Youth Coalition Co-Chair), Lauren Winston (Greenwich Academy), Maxwell Fetterman , and Dr. Maggie Young (Liberation Program).

Some tips for parents put together by Lauren Winton:

• Create Technology Free ZONES at home 
• Create Technology Free TIMES at home 
• Involve your children in the decision-making process 
• If your child already has a phone, it is okay to implement new rules. 
• Model the behavior you want your child to see.
• Consistency is key.
• Apple’s Screen Time and Android’s digital wellbeing features will help you and your family set limits on certain apps.
• Turn off Auto play on screens
• Install Distraction- free YouTube
• Use Greyscale on phones
• Use a physical alarm clock
• End Snap Streaks
• Study with the phone in a different room.

(Click here to view the full document)

Did you miss our event?

Keep up to date with our newsletter for another opportunity to watch the film coming in January. 

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