Underage drinking widespread in NYC

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) released a study that found widespread drinking among teens in New York City. One-third of teens admit to drinking alcohol in the past month, and half of those admitted to binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks at one time). Drug use was also more prevalent, with 9% of minors surveyed saying they had tried cocaine and 11% ecstasy, compared with less than 1% for nondrinkers.

Elizabeth Dahlem from News 12 Bronx visited Odyssey House Lafayette Avenue to follow up on the study and speak to Faina, one of the girls in treatment, about her experiences with alcohol. Ms. Dahlem also spoke to Susan Plaza, director of housing and mental health services at Odyssey House, about how parents can keep their teens safe.




Odyssey House offers two gender-specific treatment facilities for close to 80 teenagers in residential settings. Young adults in treatment at Odyssey House live and learn in a peer-driven environment that provides family-like structure and support. Not only do participants address their patterns of substance abuse, they also confront the behavioral problems from which they have sought refuge in drugs and learn to live harmoniously as part of a community.

Summer 2011 newsletter is now available

The Summer 2011 edition of Odyssey House News is now online! Read about Odyssey House's wellness and nutrition programs for staff and residents, our newest board member, the current art exhibition, and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.