Underage Alcohol Abuse
by Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States.
Underage Alcohol Abuse
“Americans who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until the age of 21” (Quick Stats). Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States. Many different efforts have been made to help prevent youths from drinking. Some have been proven to be successful while others have not.
Alcohol use plays a key role in all three leading causes of death among youths: motor vehicle accidents, drownings, and suicide/homicide (Quick Stats). This is the main reason clubs and organizations have been formed to prevent youths from drinking. Some of these clubs are: ALOUD (Alliance on Underage Drinking), NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism), the Michael Andretti Foundation, and E.U.D.L. (Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws). The main goal of all these clubs is safety for our nation’s teens.
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Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle crashes remain the number one cause of death among youth ages 15-20. There were 7,460 youth motor vehicle deaths in 2005. Many youths died in crashes while not drinking, but a large amount were. Twenty-eight percent (28%) of 15 to 20 year old drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2005 had been drinking (Quick Stats). About 2,089 youths died in motor vehicle accidents after drinking alcohol (in 2005).
Image via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Head_On_Collision.jpg
Drowning
Drowning may seem like an unusual way to die, but in fact it is a common occurrence. Youths may decide to go swimming in a pool or body of water after having a few too many drinks and never come out. While underwater they can become disorientated and their judgment is thrown off. What they may perceive to be a four feet deep pool may turn out to be an eight feet deep pool once they jump in. Chances are if you’re at a party and drowning, few people, if any, will notice.
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Post Commenttonysantucci
On September 23, 2011 at 2:50 pm
I drnk more alcohol when I was a teenager than when I turned 21. I lost the desire. There is a feeling of doing something illegal that makes teenagers want to do something stupid. I drank and puked a few times, but never again. I don’t drink anymore. Anyone who said that they don’t remember what happened when they get drunk and have sex with someone is lying.
Socorro Lawas
On September 23, 2011 at 3:10 pm
I am posting this article in my Facebook Profile this day because I like to share it with the young people.