WHY DRINKING IS A PROBLEM

Teens often underestimate the risk that drinking can pose. In a recent survey,

only 56% of eighth graders and 43% of high school seniors said they thought drinking heavily once or twice a weekend was a great risk. However, consequences are real, especially since teens lack the judgment and coping skills to handle alcohol wisely.

• Alcohol-related traffic accidents are a major cause of death and disability among teens, and alcohol is linked with deaths of youth by drowning, fire, suicide, and homicide.

• Teens that use alcohol are more likely to become sexually active at earlier ages, to have more sexual intercourse more often, and to have unprotected sex.

• Young people who drink are more likely than others to be victims of violent crime, including rape, aggravated assault, and robbery.

• Teens that drink are more likely to have problems with school work and school conduct.

• Youth who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to be dependent on alcohol as adults than those who wait until age 21.

One national survey found that of the teens who reported drinking regularly (at least once a week) in the past month:

• 49% had used marijuana, while 21% had used other illegal drugs in the last month.

• 50% had been in a physical fight in the past year.

• 16% had carried a weapon to school in the past month.

• 27% had engaged in risky sex.

The message is clear: Alcohol use is risky for young people. The longer children delay alcohol use, the less likely they are to develop problems associated with it, which is why it is so important for you to help your child avoid any alcohol use.

*Source: National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center at SafeYouth.org