Underage drinking is a serious problem in the United States. Alcohol is reported to be the most abused substance of America’s young people.
But, what many don’t realize there are more consequences associated with underage drinking outside of legal problems.
Those that partake in drinking alcohol under the legal age are more likely to:
Do Poorly in School
According to Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility, those under 21 who drink alcohol have higher rate of academic problems and poor school performance. About a quarter of college students reported using alcohol resulted in missing classes, falling behind in school work, performing badly on papers and exams, and receiving lower grades overall.
Suffer an Injury or Death
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol is a factor in more than 4,000 deaths of people under the age of 21 each year.
In 2011 alone, the Drug Abuse Warning Network estimates about 188,000 alcohol-related emergency room visits involved patients between 12 and 20 years old, and 20 percent of these visits resulting in an admission to the hospital, transfer to another healthcare facility or even death.
Engage in Risky Behavior
According to a study in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, adults are more likely than adolescents to analyze risks when making decisions, and this behavior is only amplified when under the influence of alcohol.
Teens represent only 10 percent of the driving population, yet they make up 17 percent of fatal alcohol-induced accidents.
And, according to a study, adolescents that drink underage are up to 23 times more likely to engage in sexual activity, including unprotected intercourse, which can lead to the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.
Have Health Problems
Adolescents that drink put themselves at risk for a myriad of potential health problems as an adult. Drinking alcohol during a period of rapid growth and transition adversely affects the critical hormonal balance for normal development, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The Communities for Drug Free Youth reports it can cause skin problems, nervous system damage, memory loss and liver damage.
So, is it worth it? For more information, visit the resources page of our website, http://www.waltoncountyprevention.org/