Alcohol Facts for Young People
Underage drinking comes with inherent dangers. It is the cause of a large number of teenage driving fatalities and can play a role in irresponsible sexual conduct. Based on the number of teens who admitted to alcohol consumption, the opportunities to drink at a young age are numerous. Thankfully, certain organizations work to educate teens about the dangers of drinking. These programs, along with knowledge about the prevalence and dangers of underage alcohol use, can help prevent teen drinking before it starts.
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Scope of the Problem
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The number of teens who admit to alcohol consumption is not small, nor is it limited to an age range that is close to the legally allowed age of consumption. Students Against Destructive Decisions states that 41 percent of students admitted to consuming alcohol by the 8th grade. More than half of students in 12th grade report that they've been drunk at least one time.
Alcohol and Driving
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With such a high number of teens admitting to alcohol use, the dangers associated with drinking and driving are inevitable for this age group. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) reports that 28 percent of 15 to 20 year olds that were killed in automobile accidents had been drinking. This is especially alarming as motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for people in this age group. SADD estimates that over 24,560 lives were saved when the minimum drinking age was raised to 21 in 1975.
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Sexual Behavior
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There are also teen-drinking dangers that are not associated with the road. SADD reports that 46.8 percent of students in high school report that they've had sexual intercourse. The danger from teenage sex can increase if alcohol is involved, as it loosens inhibitions and may encourage such behavior without the proper protection in place.
Prevention Programs
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Alcohol prevention programs have shown effectiveness in combating underage drinking. SADD puts the number of individuals between 12 and 17 years old who have enrolled in such programs at one in eight. That constitutes 11.7 percent of this population. The amount of alcohol use in the group who attended these events was lower than in teens who did not attend. Because of the dangers associated with driving and sexual conduct, these programs do more than help teens to stay sober. They help them stay safe.
Join an Organization
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If you or a teen you know is at risk, encourage them to join an anti-alcohol group. Organizations like Students Against Destructive Decisions allow teens to channel their energy into the prevention of a dangerous problem. Teens can start or join a local chapter. This will surround them with positive, like-minded peers and decrease the risk that peer pressure will lead to any dangerous decisions.
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