{"id":2302,"date":"2021-10-19T03:51:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-19T07:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/?page_id=2302"},"modified":"2022-06-01T16:29:58","modified_gmt":"2022-06-01T20:29:58","slug":"teen-alcoholism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/teen-addiction\/alcohol\/teen-alcoholism\/","title":{"rendered":"Teen Alcohol Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The consequences of teen alcohol abuse can be significant and include drunk driving, sexual assault, alcohol poisoning and delayed brain development.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Teen drinking can have serious consequences, and unfortunately, teen alcohol abuse is not uncommon. Teens may drink because of boredom or peer pressure<\/a>, but teen drinking is preventable. The facts surrounding teens and alcohol can provide parents with information about warning signs and how they can help their teens avoid the consequences associated with underage drinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Underage Drinking Facts and Statistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to underage drinking statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),  30%<\/a> of high schoolers consumed alcohol in the past month. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has also reported that approximately one-third<\/a> of teenagers have consumed one or more alcoholic drinks by the time they turn 15. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youth who drink before the age of 15 are at risk of significant consequences, according to experts<\/a>. The research shows that young adolescents who consume alcohol are more likely to demonstrate suicidal behaviors; they are also more likely to have sex and to engage in risky sexual acts, such as having multiple partners. Those who consume alcohol by age 14 or earlier are also more likely to struggle with alcohol dependence<\/a> later in life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Binge Drinking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Binge drinking statistics show that binge drinking among teens is a concern. According to the research<\/a>, 14% of high school students<\/a> are active binge drinkers. Among adolescents who consume alcohol, 90% of alcohol consumption is in the form of binge drinking. Furthermore, those who drink underage consume larger quantities of alcohol in one sitting when compared to adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For teenagers, binge drinking can be defined<\/a> as consuming four or more drinks during a two-hour period for girls and five or more drinks for boys. Since the majority of teen drinking<\/a> occurs as binge drinking, it appears that teenagers are not simply experimenting with a few sips of alcohol; instead, they are consuming multiple alcoholic beverages and becoming intoxicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: Teen Drinking Facts and Statistics<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teen Alcohol Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having easy access to alcohol can contribute to underage drinking. In a national survey, 54% of 8th graders, 71% of 10th graders and 86% of 12th graders reported that it would be fairly or very easy for them to obtain alcohol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teen alcohol access<\/a> can occur in several ways. According to one study<\/a>, teens may access alcohol when parents provide it on vacation or special occasions. It is also common for teens to have a friend or sibling of legal drinking age purchase alcohol for them. Some teens even report that their parents will buy alcohol for them to consume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teens can also obtain alcohol through the use of fake IDs. In addition, some adolescents resort to stealing<\/a> alcohol, either from parents or from stores. Some adolescents also go to local stores that will sell to underage customers or befriend store clerks to convince them to sell to teens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dangers of Teen Drinking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Binge drinking is dangerous regardless of a person\u2019s age, but the effects of alcohol on teens can be especially devastating. Teens who drink are at risk of a number of negative outcomes, ranging from brain damage to death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most common risks of underage drinking include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n