Alcohol is the number one drug of choice among America’s youth–and it’s killing them. In small children, it’s a potent poison that can result in seizures, coma, and even death. In teenagers, it can impair cognitive development, prevent them from developing the necessary skills to succeed in today’s society, and also make them more inclined to engage in risky, dangerous behavior. Underage drinking is a serious public health issue that has become a nationwide concern.
Underage Drinking Statistics
Children under the age of 18 who drink alcohol are putting their physical health, psychological health, social skills, emotional well-being–and ultimately their futures–at stake. The earlier they are introduced to alcohol, the greater the risks and consequences are likely to be down the line.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 39.7% of youths between 12 and 20 years old have had at least one drink in their lives; 20% of this group also reported drinking alcohol within the past month.
To make matters worse is how young underage people drink. They are more prone to binge drinking behavior (this is how 90% of 12 to 20-year-olds consume alcohol) which amplifies the risks of dangerous consequences like alcohol poisoning, overdosing, and death. In an NIAAA survey that surveyed children on their drinking behavior:
- 4.2 million reported binge drinking in the past month
- 825,000 binge drank five or more times in the past month
Alcohol causes thousands of deaths in young people ages 21 and under each year. In 2019 there were:
- 1,092 from motor vehicle crashes
- 1,000 from homicides
- 208 from alcohol overdose, falls, burns, and drowning
- 596 from suicides
Alcohol Effects on Youths
414,000 children aged 12-17 had an alcohol use disorder. However, the adverse effects of alcohol on youths begin well before they get to the stage of developing an addiction.
Impaired Brain Development
The brain isn’t fully developed until we reach the age of 25. Young children who consume alcohol earlier than this may experience neuro and cognitive development delays in the brain. This translates into impaired memory, problem-solving skills, and impulse control. Naturally, this will negatively affect academic performance and put them in a poor position for the future.
An examination comparing the brain activity of drinking versus non-drinking children demonstrated how underage drinking puts youths at a clear disadvantage. The results showed that the brains of children who participated in heavy alcohol consumption were more activated and working harder, though their end performance was the same as their peers. Other studies have shown that underage drinkers have high rates of absenteeism and lower grades.
Mental Health Problems
People who drink alcohol face higher risks of developing mental health problems (someone with an AUD is 3.6 times more likely to develop a mood disorder than someone who isn’t). The teenage years are a tumultuous and emotionally charged period on their own. Adding alcohol to the mix can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, and quickly result in a feedback loop that leads to greater alcohol consumption, and so on.
Injury & Death
Accidental injury is the leading cause of death for children in America. Alcohol consumption amplifies this risk for young children by lowering inhibitions and impulse control, while also interfering with cognition and coordination.
The situation is even stickier for teenagers, who naturally have a greater inclination for thrill-seeking at their age but don’t yet have a developed enough prefrontal cortex to properly weigh potential consequences.
Unsafe Sex
Underage drinkers are more likely to be sexually active at a younger age and to engage in risky behavior such as unprotected sex. This can result in an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
Criminal Behavior
One of the most common causes of arrests of Americans under the age of 21 is ‘Minor In Possession’ However, that’s not the only reason why youths who drink are clashing with law enforcement. The lack of impulse control paired with thrill-seeking behavior means underage drinkers are more likely to engage in other illegal behaviors like driving under the influence.
Lack of Social Skills
Many of the social skills children develop are related to their brain development as they age. Alcohol gets in the way of that and can inhibit a child’s ability to process situations and choose an optimal response. Additionally, alcohol can increase antisocial behavior such as aggression or isolation.
Kids shouldn’t drink alcohol–not just because underage drinking is against the law (a misdemeanor that could result in jail time), but because youth alcohol consumption can have disastrous long-term consequences. If you have a young person in your life who you suspect is abusing alcohol, get help as soon as possible.
Sources:
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
