Underage drinking is everyone’s
The consequences of underage drinking can affect everyone— regardless of age or drinking status. We all feel the effects of the aggressive behavior, property damage, injuries, violence, and deaths that can result from underage drinking. This is not simply a problem for some families—it is a nationwide concern.
“The problems of underage drinking expand far beyond the family. They are societal problems. When we hear horror stories about underage drinking, it’s easy to think of it as an abstract and distant problem. In truth, there are many ways that underage drinking negatively impacts everyone.”
Why Do So Many Young People Abuse Alcohol While Underage?
With alcohol abuse being such a risky behavior with serious implications for youths who are still physically developing, it follows that one might wonder why youths would put themselves in such peril by binge drinking while underage.
However, there are several reasons why underage youths may choose to drink alcohol. One of the most common reasons is social: Youths are more likely to consume alcohol when they have peers who consume alcohol. In such instances, they may be drinking alcohol in order to fit in, impress their friends, or maybe even to alleviate social anxiety.
Alternately, youths may drink alcohol as a means of overcoming emotional or physical pain such as the experience of a past trauma or a physical injury. While it’s not very common for teens to become actually dependent on alcohol or other substances, it’s surely a possibility—even a likelihood—with continued substance abuse