This is an article discussing the abuse of alcohol used by teens. This can be found on the YES portion of this site. For more information look  at 

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking

Posted By: Victoria W.

Consequences Of Underage Drinking

Underage Drinking Statistics

 

Underage drinking is a serious public health problem in the United States. Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth, and drinking by young people poses enormous health and safety risks.

 

The consequences of underage drinking can affect everyone—regardless of age or drinking status. We all feel the effects of the aggressive behavior, property damage, injuries, violence, and deaths that can result from underage drinking. This is not simply a problem for some families—it is a nationwide concern.

 

Underage Drinking Statistics

 

Many young people drink alcohol

 

By age 15, about 29.8 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink.1

 

By age 18, about 58.0 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink.1

 

In 2018, 7.1 million young people ages 12–20 reported that they drank alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month.2

 

Youth ages 12 - 20 often binge drink

 

People ages 12 through 20 drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States.3 Although youth drink less often than adults do, when they do drink, they drink more. That is because young people consume more than 90 percent of their alcohol by binge drinking. Binge drinking is consuming many drinks on an occasion (see box). Drinking alcohol and binge drinking become more prevalent as young people get older.

 

4.3 million young people reported binge drinking (for males 5 or more drinks and for females 4 or more drinks on the same occasion within a few hours) at least once in the past month.2

 

861,000 young people reported binge drinking on 5 or more days over the past month.