When it comes to preventing underage drinking in students, Dad is the Man.   

A new study by prominent researcher José Ordóñez (Universidad de Los Andes/Merida, Venezuela and University of South Florida) suggests that paternal support has a stronger influence than maternal support in reducing underage drinking.   

Ordóñez will discuss "Parental Support, Alcohol Use and Antisocial Behavior in Youth:  A Multilevel Approach" at noon, Wednesday, Sept. 2 in the Multipurpose Room of the University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work.   

The event is free and open to the public.   

"According to the study, students who thought they had poor paternal support believed alcohol use provided a method to handle emotional strain and obtain social approval,"  said Luis R. Torres, assistant professor with the UH Center for Drug and Social Policy Research (CDSPR).  "Support of both parents has long been identified as an important factor in stopping underage drinking, but that influence competes with media messages and peers." 

The CDSPR develops and disseminates new knowledge on drug abuse and related social problems from a multidisciplinary perspective.  Faculty from a wide range of disciplines collaborate on intellectual and scientific research studies focused on understanding the social and health consequences of drug use and the development of public policies that address the problem of drug abuse. 

For more information on the UH Graduate College of Social Work, visit http://www.sw.uh.edu/main/home.php.

For more information on the Center for Drug and Social Policy Research, visit http://www.uh.edu/cdspr/.   

WHAT:  "Parental Support, Alcohol Use and Antisocial Behavior in Youth:  A Multilevel Approach" 

WHEN:  Noon - 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 2 

WHERE: UH Graduate College of Social Work, first floor multi-purpose room (110).

For directions and parking information, visit http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/buildings/SW.php  

For more information about UH visit the university's Newsroom at www.uh.edu/newsroom