Underage drinking is a widespread issue in the U.S., leading to serious health problems and consequences. It’s crucial to have a well-rounded strategy, including strong policies, to help prevent underage alcohol consumption and its related harms.
Excessive drinking among people under 21 causes over 3,900 deaths and results in 225,000 years of potential life lost every year. The economic cost of underage drinking was estimated at $24 billion in 2010. Addressing this issue is critical for public health and safety.
Underage Drinking is Widespread
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in the U.S. According to a 2021 survey, 23% of high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days. Of these, 11% engaged in binge drinking, and 5% of students drove after drinking. Additionally, 14% of students rode with someone who had been drinking.
While rates of current and binge drinking among high school students have been generally decreasing over the years, female students have surpassed male students in drinking and binge drinking rates in both 2019 and 2021, reversing previous trends where males typically drank more.
Underage Drinking Poses Serious Risks
Drinking alcohol at a young age can lead to a variety of negative outcomes. Youth who drink are more likely to face problems at school, including higher absenteeism and lower grades. They may also experience social issues, such as engaging in fights or withdrawing from activities.
Legal issues can arise, like getting arrested for drinking and driving or causing harm to others while intoxicated. Physically, they may suffer from hangovers, illnesses, or even alcohol poisoning. Underage drinking can also lead to risky sexual behaviors, disrupt normal growth and sexual development, and increase the chances of being involved in physical or sexual violence.
There is also a heightened risk of suicide and homicide, alcohol-related crashes, and other accidents like falls, burns, or drownings. Memory problems, substance misuse, and long-term changes in brain development are additional concerns.
In general, binge drinking increases the likelihood of these problems compared to non-binge drinking. Early drinking habits are linked to a greater chance of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.
Underage Drinking and Its Link to Adult Drinking
Research has found that underage drinking is often connected to the drinking habits of adults in a child's life, including family members, household adults, and even people in the same community or state. In particular, there's a clear relationship between underage and adult drinking, especially binge drinking, in certain communities. For example, a 5% rise in binge drinking among adults in a community is linked to a 12% increase in underage drinking.
Additionally, teenagers whose friends drink are more likely to drink themselves, but those with parents who binge drink are even more likely to drink than those with parents who do not binge drink.
Preventing Underage Drinking
Underage drinking can be reduced through thoughtful state alcohol policies that not only affect young people but also influence adult drinking habits. A comprehensive approach with effective policy strategies can make a significant difference. The Community Preventive Services Task Force has highlighted several strategies proven to be effective in preventing excessive drinking, such as:
Raising alcohol taxes.
Implementing laws that hold commercial hosts accountable for serving intoxicated customers.
Limiting the number and concentration of alcohol outlets.
Enforcing regulations that prevent alcohol sales to minors.
Additionally, the Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health recommends complementary strategies, including national media campaigns aimed at both youth and adults, reducing minors' exposure to alcohol ads, and creating comprehensive community-based programs to further support these efforts.
