One Pimple is One Too Many - Teen Drinking

Teen drinking is an unfortunate trend that continues to grow.

According to the Federal Trade Commission

Sixteen percent of eighth graders, 33 percent of high school sophomores, and 44 percent of high school seniors report recent drinking.

More than 10 percent of eighth graders, 22 percent of sophomores, and 26 percent of seniors report recent binge drinking.

More than half (58%) of 12th graders report having been drunk at least once in their life. One fifth (20%) of 8th graders report having been drunk at least once in their life.

Most teens report that alcohol is “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get — including 62 percent of eighth graders, 83 percent of sophomores, and 92 percent of seniors.


When asked my opinion about teen drinking, my first and immediate response is very simple:

Don't do it.

Teen drinking is not only extremely hazardous to your health - it is illegal.

But you don't have to take my word for it, listen to some of the experts:

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2005, 23% of drivers ages 15 to 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had a BAC (Blood Alcohol Count) of 0.08 g/dl or higher.

Teens are at far greater risk of death in an alcohol-related crash than the overall population, despite the fact that they are below the minimum drinking age in every State. Among 15- to 20-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2006, 31 percent of the drivers who were killed had been drinking...

Research indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a person's early 20's, and that exposure of the developing brain to alcohol may have long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and may increase the likelihood of alcohol addiction.

The age when drinking starts affects future drinking problems. For each year that the start of drinking is delayed, the risk of later alcohol dependence is reduced by 14 percent.

While it may look "cool" to drink or you may be feeling pressure from friends to drink, remember: Just say NO. No friend should ever make you feel you have to do something you don't want to do.

And don't let anyone ever tell you that you have more "fun" when you're drunk. You can have an awesome time with your friends while still being completely sober.


Stay safe everybody!

Ariel


P.S. Teen alcoholism is also a very real problem. If you feel like you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol abuse please call 1-800-662-HELP.