underage drinking
Peer pressure, a sense of belonging, trying to be like someone else, trying to appear older, trying to loosen up… there are many reason for underage drinking but none of the reasons make sense. Especially when you weigh those reasons against the possible consequences:
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Death – 5,000 people under age 21 die each year from alcohol-related car crashes, homicides, suicides, alcohol poisoning, and other injuries such as falls, burns, and drowning.
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Serious injuries – More than 190,000 people under age 21 visited an emergency room for alcohol-related injuries in 2008 alone.
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Impaired judgment – Drinking can cause kids to make poor decisions, which can then result in risky behavior like drinking and driving, sexual activity, or violence.
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Increased risk for physical and sexual assault – Youth who drink are more likely to carry out or be the victim of a physical or sexual assault.
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Brain development problems – Research shows that brain development continues well into a person’s twenties. Alcohol can affect this development, and contribute to a range of problems.
Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal. If you are caught drinking under the age of 21 you could lose your driver’s license and get put on juvenile probation which includes drug testing, counseling, fines, community service, curfew, and more.