How Many Teenagers Die From Drugs & Alcohol?
Most adults are aware that the consumption of drugs and alcohol can be dangerous if too much is consumed. However, drugs and alcohol can be particularly risky for teens due to automobile crashes, binge drinking, overdose and an increased risk of suicide resulting in thousands of deaths each year.
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Availability
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Even though parents attempt to protect their teens from drugs and alcohol, they are fairly easy to access. Drugs being abused by teens are no longer just illegal substances but also include over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Accidents
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Motor vehicle crashes while driving under the influence of alcohol is the leading cause of death in youths ranging from 15 to 20 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On average, eight teenagers die each day due to alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes.
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Binge Drinking
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Consumption of alcohol in excess of four to five drinks or more is considered binge drinking. The consumption of alcohol in this manner results in 1,300 deaths each year, making it the third leading cause of death among teenagers.
Overdose
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Binge drinking is the leading cause for accidental overdose in teenagers. Drug overdoses are the second leading cause of death, with a majority due to prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
Suicide
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Teens who consumed alcohol are almost three times as likely to make a suicide attempt. Statistics also increase with drug use. Often teens turn to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to relieve stress and depression--not realizing their usage will exaggerate feelings, decrease inhibitions and increase the chances of self-harm.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
