What is the Williams Alliance?
The Williams Alliance - Supporting Community Assets To Decrease Alcohol & Drug Abuse is an energized group of 60 plus citizens and agencies organized to prevent and reduce substance use and abuse among youth (and over time, adults). The Alliance formed in 1991 as Williams Alliance Against Drug Abuse (WAADA).
The Alliance receives funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration the in the form of Drug Free Communities Support Program funds. Recently, the Governor's Office of Children, Youth and Families awarded the Alliance a Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant.
- Underage drinking is the #1 substance abuse problem facing youth in Arizona. It is the most commonly used substance by Arizona 8th, 10th and 12th graders. (Arizona Youth Survey, 2006)
- 24 percent of 8th graders, 39 percent of 10th graders and 47 percent of 12th graders report drinking within the past 30 days. (Arizona Youth Survey, 2006)
- 8th grade use is highest in Greenlee, Mohave and Gila counties, with more than 34 percent reporting use within the past 30 days. (Underage Drinking in Arizona Data Findings & Analysis, 2007)
- Use by 8th, 10th, and 12th graders is higher in Arizona than it is nationwide. (National Monitoring for the Future, 2006)
- Binge drinking among Arizona high school seniors is highest in Santa Cruz County, with 40 percent reporting such alcohol use. (Underage Drinking in Arizona Data Findings & Analysis, 2007)
- Arizona ranks 20th among all states for the percentage of youth (ages 12-20) who report binge drinking within the past 30 days, meaning only 19 states have more binge drinkers. (SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2003-04)
What's the Problem in Williams?
- Underage drinking and binge drinking, as reported by Williams' youth themselves, is extremely high compared to state averages.
- The Governor's Office has designated Williams a "hot spot" for underage binge drinking.
- Teens in Williams are drinking in the woods, in cars and in homes.
Williams Alliance Mission Statement
The Williams Alliance is a collaboration of local citizens and agencies. Our mission is to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among youth and abuse throughout the Williams community by strengthening individual, family and community assets.
Read our Alliance Strategies

515 South 9th Street - Williams, Arizona 86046 - (928) 635-9645