Teen Drinking Facts

Alcohol use effects the human body in a variety of ways that inhibit our ability to perform routine tasks. Driving after consuming even one drink can be extremely dangerous – enhancing the risk of auto accident-related injury and fatality. Alcohol use also serves to inhibit academic performance. In the U.S. the legal drinking age is 21. If you are concerned about teenage drinking, it is important to open a discussion on the topic.

Effects

Alcohol acts as a depressant. As such, individuals who drink will experience slowed brain activity. Even just a drink of two may cause the drinker to act confused or out of character. Drinkers will often experience mood swings and a loss of balance.

Legal

As stated above, the minimum drinking age in the U.S. is 21. This restriction pertains to the purchase, possession and consumption of any alcoholic beverage. According to the Underage Drinking Prevention Project, the only exceptions are when a minor is in a private establishment, requires alcohol for medical reasons, is using in conjunction with a religious ceremony, or possesses it on the job for purposes of lawful employment.

Laws will vary between states. As such, it’s important to educate yourself on regional restrictions.

Education

Regular alcohol consumption often serves to inhibit poor academic performance. Studies show that high school students who regularly consume alcohol are at a 5X higher risk of dropping out of school that those who abstain altogether.

Sex

Alcohol use in minors offers a heightened risk of dangerous sexual activity. Because drinking works to lower user inhibitions, many young people may be more easily swayed into unprotected sex. This works to heighten the risk of unplanned pregnancies, and STDs.

Discuss

If you or someone you love is struggling with an alcohol issue, our California drug rehab facility is the place to call. Pick up the phone today, and let our team of specialists help your teen back on track towards the happy, productive and healthy lifestyle they deserve.

Teenage Binge Drinking – The Facts

Teenagers who regularly consume 5+ alcoholic beverages in one sitting fall under the binge drinker label. Teen binge drinking prevention can aid in the fight against future health issues and alcohol dependency. Educating children on the facts surrounding this issue is vital to ensuring a happy, safe, and sober lifestyle down the road.

Judgment

Alcohol works to impair judgment, while potentially leading teens to engage in poor decision-making in regard to sexual activity, education, finances, relationships, etc. In some cases, alcohol intake can also result in violent behaviors.

Brain Damage

The teenage brain is still in development. Binge drinking may serve to hinder development, and potentially cause long-term issues in adulthood. Studies reveal that teen binge drinkers often achieve much lower GPAs than students who choose to abstain. In addition, binge drinking has also been seen to negatively impact teen memory function.

Addiction

Additional studies show that adults who are over 21 years of age who have taken their first drink prior to turning 21 are at a higher risk for alcohol dependency or abuse. Alcohol dependence is a lifelong issue for many people throughout the world, and is something from which teenagers should be protected.

Underage Drinking

Regardless of your stance on underage drinking, the fact remains: It is illegal. Teens who are convicted of alcohol-related offenses may experience difficulty getting into college or gaining employment down the road. While many perceive teenage drinking as a “rite of passage”, the consequences associated with it appear only to hinder rather than encourage future successes.