People who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than those who started drinking at age 21.
Alcohol or aka (booze, Brew, Sauce, and Juice) is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. It’s produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. Alcohol effects include slurred speech, impaired judgement, coordination, injuries, risky behavior as well as memory problems. When teens consume alcohol it has an alarming effect on the body and brain. There is a common misconception that alcohol is an “UPPER” (stimulant) but in reality, it’s a “DOWNER” Alcohol is a depressant, which slows down your central nervous system –including your ability to think clearly and breathe.
Did You Know?
- Every day in the United States, more than 4,750 kids under age 16 have their first full drink of alcohol.
- Underage drinking accounts for 11% of all the alcohol consumed in the United States.
- Youth who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse in their lifetimes than those who begin drinking at age 21 years or later.
Many peopleare surprised to learn what counts as a drink. The amount of liquid in your glass, can, or bottle is not necessarily equal to how much alcohol is in your drink.
No level of drinking is safe or legal for anyone under age 21, but unfortunately, many teens drink—and they often drink multiple drinks, which is very dangerous.
Talk. They Hear You.
Research shows that parents are the #1 reason youth decide not to drink alcohol underage.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign aims to reduce underage drinking among youth ages 9 to 15 by providing parents and caregivers with information and resources they need to start addressing the issue of underage drinking with their youth early.
What Parents Can Do
- Be a positive adult role model.
- Be aware of risk factors.
- Support your kids and give them space to grow.
- Be prepared. Your child may become curious about alcohol; he or she may turn to you for answers and advice
- Use “natural” opportunities such as dinner time or while doing chores to start open, honest conversations.
Conversation Tips For Parents
- Show that you disapprove of underage drinking.
- Show you care about your child’s happiness and well-being
- Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol.
- Show you’re paying attention and you’ll notice if your child drinks.
- Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking.
Compliance Checks
The Branch County Substance Abuse Task Force collaborates with local law enforcement agencies and youth, under the age of 21, to ensure that local alcohol retailers stay complaint with not selling alcohol to minors. The BCSATF also provides local retailers with educational material and signage from the state for their establishment.