Teen substance abuse is at an alarming high. Underage alcohol use is more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined. In average 34-35% of traffic fatalities among 15-20 year olds are alcohol related. The time of year this increases to an astounding 55-63% is graduation time. Statistics show that graduation night is the most dangerous night of the year for a teenager. So, what can you do to protect the teens in your life? Sponsor an alcohol free/drug free “Graduation Casino Night.” Let’s face it when a teenager graduates they feel they have arrived to adulthood. So why not give them some adult freedom in a safe, fun environment with the sight sounds and feel of a real casino. Thanks to on-line companies, casino supplies such as casino style poker chips , cards and other gaming related accessories makes this an extremely affordable venture, with almost limitless possibilities.
Two of the most popular casino card games are Blackjack and Texas Hold’em. The main paraphernalia you need are chips and cards. Plastic playing cards are a smart idea because they are durable, but for kids paper cards would probably be best due to affordability. If you want to make things really exciting you can select a multitude of accessories, such as: felt layouts, dealing shoes, discard holders, automatic card shufflers, buttons and timers. If you want to really liven things up token or tokenless slot machines are readily available. With flashing lights, LCD screens and fantastic sound effects you can be sure they would be the hit of the part. Last, but not least give a customized poker chip to each student. You can include your teen’s school initials or mascot as a special memento. There are several affordable methods to choose from, two examples are hot stamping/embossing or PVC labels. Both options look great, it just depends on what appeals to you. Let the chips be a reminder for years to come of a great night without alcohol and drugs.
Statistics also show that teen accidents and deaths have dropped drastically in areas where high schools have organized alcohol and drug free graduation parties. Let this statistic apply to the teens in your life!