Underage Drinking: Is It Worth It?

Parents Influence On Teen Drinking
Most deaths weren't caused by drinking and driving, 68% of these deaths were the following; homicides, suicides, alcohol poisoning, and other causes.
Studies show that most teens are influenced by their own parents to start drinking.

Alcohol and Teen Health

Alcohol contributes to liver disease and may increase the risk of some cancers. Even taken in small quantities, it can affect brain development, and, in large quantities, can cause permanent brain damage. According to NIAAA, "Adolescents also are vulnerable to alcohol-induced brain damage, which could contribute to poor performance at school or work. In addition, youthful drinking is associated with an increased likelihood of developing alcohol abuse or dependence later in life." NIAAA also cites that underage alcohol use is more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined, due to drinking and driving. It also increases suicide risk, sexual assault, and high-risk sex.

Teens and Drinking 

Despite being illegal, underage drinking continues to remain an enormous threat to public health. Teenage drinking increases the risk of fatalities from motor vehicle crashes, impairs decision-making and memory, increases the risk of alcohol dependence in adulthood, and can result in significant health risks to the still-developing adolescent brain. Unfortunately, underage drinking is not an isolated or rare problem. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported in 2003 that nearly 50 percent of adolescents have had at least one drink before eighth grade and more than 20 percent admit to having been drunk. According to the Alcohol Policy Information System, "Annually, about 5,000 youth under age 21 die from motor vehicle crashes, other unintentional injuries, and homicides and suicides that involve underage drinking."