Alcohol
Alcohol
In the United States, alcohol is the most widely consumed substance amongst youth.
In 2019, about 24.6 percent of 14- to 15-year-olds reported having at least 1 drink.
In 2019, 7.0 million young people ages 12 to 20 reported that they drank alcohol beyond a few sips in the past month.
Binge drinking is common among youth. In 2019, 4.2 million young people reported binge drinking at least once in the past month. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 percent—or 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter—or higher. In youth, fewer drinks need to be consumed to reach these levels depending on size and age.
The Dangers of Underage Drinking
Effects on the Brain: Research indicates that the brain is not fully developed until one reaches their 20s. During development, the brain is experiencing changes in structure and function, making it more vulnerable; including to the effects of alcohol. When alcohol and the brain interact, the area that is affected is the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe is involved with abilities such as decision-making, impulse control, and planning. It is not until a human reaches adulthood that these abilities are matured, however, these functions become impaired with the consumption of alcohol. Among these effects on the brain, is also the interference to form memories. The hippocampus, a region of the brain embedded deep into the temporal lobe, is associated with memory and is disrupted with drinking. Ultimately, alcohol exposure during adolescence, a crucial period of development, could lead to long-term alterations that influence adult behavior and responses to alcohol.
Impaired Judgment: Alcohol affects decision-making, which can cause individuals to take unnecessary risks. These include unsafe sexual behavior, drinking and driving, and aggressive or violent behavior. This can directly result in legal problems and potentially arrest. There is also the risk of death and permanent injury involved with impaired judgment, as the result of overdose, falls, burns, or drowning
School Performance: Based on the knowledge we have on the relationship between the brain and alcohol, it has been concluded that alcohol use is associated with higher rates of absences, receiving lower grades, and increased dropout rates. Among high school students, those who use alcohol are five times more likely to drop out than those who don't use alcohol. Alcohol also can also result in social problems, including altercations and isolations with peers, and lack of participation in curricular activities
Adult Life: Research has shown that the earlier you begin drinking, the more likely you are to develop problems with alcohol addiction later in life. For example, adults ages 26 and older who began drinking before age 15 are 5.6 times more likely to report having alcohol use disorder in the past year as those who waited until age 21 or later to begin drinking.
Other effects associated with underage drinking:
Physical problems, such as hangovers or illnesses.
Disruption of normal growth or sexual development.
Increased risk of suicide and homicide.
Misuse of other substances.
Alcohol poisoning.
Refusal Skills and Tips
Alcohol and drug refusal skills refer to a person’s ability to say “no” in situations involving these substances. It is important to strengthen your skills early on and continue to implement these skills into your adult life.
At the end, remember to be honest, expressing your feelings of concern, discomfort, or fear. Connect your friends to proper resources and share the information you found here today. If your friend group is unsupportive of your decisions, you should question if the relationship is valuable, mutable, and overall healthy.
End Note: There should be no shame of waiting until you are the legal age of 21 to have your first drink. Even then, it is your choice should you decide to wait longer than 21 or not drink at all. While many view 21 as the rite of passage into incorporating alcohol into your life, it comes with great responsibility; one should learn to be responsible and safe when consuming alcoholic beverages.
Here are some tips to share with friends and family that are able to drink alcohol and to keep in mind when you turn 21:
Eat and drink water before and while drinking alcohol.
Set a drink limit based on your knowledge on how alcohol affects you.
Arrange a safe drive home.
Skip the drinking games and shots.
Slow your intake with alcohol-free drinks.
Just say ‘no’ and do so without guilt!