Teen Drinking: Risks, Consequences, And Solutions

Medically reviewed by Lauren Fawley , LPC and Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated November 7, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader.
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Although drinking alcohol is illegal for people under the age of 21 in the United States, alcohol is the most commonly used drug among American teenagers according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Excessive drinking can have long-term health consequences and legal ramifications for young people, and it is not uncommon for teens to lose their lives—underage drinking is responsible for an estimated 3,900 deaths a year.

If you have a teenager and are concerned about their drinking, know that you are not alone. Teen drinking is extremely common, and early interventions can ensure your child learns how to navigate adolescence and young adulthood safely and responsibly. In this article, you will learn the facts about teen drinking and risk factors for teen alcohol misuse, as well as some ways to get support for both you and your teenager.

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Learn about the risks of underage drinking

10 statistics on underage drinking and youth binge drinking

Extensive research shows that underage drinking is not only common, but extremely risky. Below are some key statistics related to underage drinking:

  1. More than 90% of the alcoholic drinks consumed by youth are consumed during binge drinking sessions.

  2. One out of four adults has engaged in binge drinking—before turning 21.

  3. The average age for teenage boys to try alcohol is 11, while the average age for girls is 13.

  4. In a 2017 survey, 19.7% of underaged people from 12 to 20 reported that they consumed alcohol in the past 30 days.

  5. As teenagers grow older, their risk of drinking alcohol increases. The Foundation of Advancing Alcohol Responsibility found that about 16% of 16-year-olds had tried an alcoholic drink while 46% of 20-year-olds admitted to consuming alcohol.

  6. In a 2017 study, almost 61% of teenagers and underage drinkers admitted to engaging in binge drinking during the past month.

  7. Around 10% of high school students drink and drive.

  8. About 85% of teenagers who drink and drive also engage in binge drinking.

  9. Teenagers who start drinking before the age of 15 have a 41% chance of experiencing alcohol dependence as an adult.

  10. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that people aged 12 to 20 account for 3.4% of all alcohol consumers in the United States.

What causes teenagers to start drinking alcohol?

There are a variety of reasons that can lead teenagers to drink alcohol. In some cases, adolescents may simply “feel ready” to try alcohol, while in others, there may be more troubling factors at play. It may be helpful to assess what is causing them to drink alcohol and engage in other risky practices. 

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Peer pressure

Many teenagers just want to feel like they belong to a group. Teens may make their choices out of a desire to fit in. This can make them vulnerable to peer pressure, which can play a role in the choice to try alcohol or engage in binge drinking. When hanging out at large parties or even with just a few friends, it can be hard to refuse a drink. Some teens choose to drink alcohol at such an event in order to preserve their status or reputation among their peers.

A desire to rebel

Some people go through a rebellious stage during their teenage years. Sometimes, teens turn to alcohol in an attempt to revolt or anger their parents. Teenagers who struggle with anger may also be inclined to try alcohol to cope with negative emotions. Some teenagers also just want to break the rules without thinking of the short- and long-term consequences of underage drinking.

Attempts to self-medicate or escape from mental health challenges

Stress, anger, anxiety, and other challenging emotions can be common among teenagers. Not all teens have a healthy outlet or method for coping with their frustrations. Some teens concurrently experience a mental health disorder, such as depression or ADHD, which can make their teenage years additionally challenging. As a result, some teens turn to alcohol and other drugs in an attempt to self-medicate. This can cause more problems for them down the road. 

A lack of understanding of the risks associated with underage drinking

With images of celebrities drinking and TV shows glorifying alcohol consumption, it can be easy for teenagers to forget the risks of alcohol misuse and binge drinking. If a teenager has not been properly educated on the risks, they may be more likely to drink. Similarly, if a teen has not received proper guidance on what it means to drink responsibly, or has been exposed to unhealthy drinking patterns in their household, they may be more susceptible to binge drinking.

Curiosity

Curiosity is often a significant factor in the desire to try alcohol. Children often grow up seeing family members and other adults drink, which may induce a natural curiosity about the taste or effects of alcohol. They may see alcoholic drinks on menus, in advertisements, and at stores and want to understand why alcohol plays such a significant role in Western culture. 

Teen drinking risks related to mental health

Underage drinking can bring a variety of negative consequences and health problems to young people, in both the short and long term. The mass of positive alcohol advertising that teens are exposed to can make it very difficult for them to resist the temptation. However, parents, teachers, and physicians can educate teenagers on the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol use.

Issues with brain development

The human brain does not finish developing until roughly 25 years of age. As a result, introducing alcohol to it before this time can have serious consequences on its normal growth process. For instance, alcohol use at a young age can negatively affect the prefrontal cortex, which is thought to control a person’s ability to think clearly and make good decisions. Damage to the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in learning and memory, can also occur as a result of heavy alcohol use.

Increased teen drinking risks of alcohol dependency

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, teenagers who drink at the age of 13 have a 45% chance of becoming dependent on alcohol as they grow older. However, people who wait until they turn 21 only have a 7% chance of developing alcohol addiction later in life. Binge drinking, which is common among teens, is strongly associated with the development of alcohol use disorder.

Poor academic performance as a result of binge drinking

Researchers have found a strong link between alcohol use and poor school performance. One research study on binge drinking and its connection to academic problems found that students who reported engaging in regular binge drinking were less likely to finish their homework, attend class, and earn high grades.

Increased risk of death

Thousands of teenagers die each year from alcohol-related car crashes, crimes, and alcohol poisoning. Current statistics are as follows:

  • 1,580 deaths from car accidents

  • 1,260 deaths from homicide

  • 245 deaths from alcohol poisoning, falls, drowning, or burns

  • 492 deaths from suicide

Drinking alcohol and engaging in risky sexual behavior

Underage drinking and engaging in risky behavior are also typically connected. Sexually active teenagers who consume alcohol tend to put themselves at a higher risk of engaging in unprotected sex. As a result, they may be more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, or more at risk for sexual assault.

Engaging in sexual intercourse while inebriated can be very dangerous and traumatic for teens, which makes education very important to minimize risky behaviors.

How to prevent underage drinking

There are a variety of methods that parents and caregivers can employ to help prevent underage drinking in teenagers. Acting as a positive role model when consuming alcohol may play a role, as teenagers observe the behavior of adults. Educating teenagers on the safety risks and effects of alcohol misuse may also correct any incorrect beliefs and reduce underage drinking tendencies.

Treatment options for teenagers with alcohol-related challenges

If you have a teenager who is using alcohol, there are several different options when it comes to seeking treatment.

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Learn about the risks of underage drinking

Both inpatient and outpatient therapy programs are available to teenagers misusing alcohol. Teenagers may also enroll in peer-based group counseling and personal therapy to help manage their addiction. Having family support can also be important for teens going through rehabilitation. Family therapy may also be a worthwhile consideration.

If your child is engaging in underage drinking, online mental health counseling might be an effective treatment method for them. The licensed mental health professionals at TeenCounseling can provide counseling completely online, which may be helpful if your teenager is nervous about going to a therapist’s office. 

Also, the same support is available for parents of teenagers at BetterHelp, which also offers counseling online. Online therapy has been suggested by research to be just as effective as in-person therapy in many cases, and you can be matched with a counselor with experience helping parents of children with alcohol-related concerns. 

Takeaway

Underage drinking comes with many potential consequences. For example, teenagers who drink alcohol may be at increased risk for issues with brain development, risky sexual behaviors, accidents, and even death. Common treatment options for alcohol-related challenges include inpatient and outpatient treatment, therapy, and medication. Parents of teenagers with alcohol use challenges may also seek therapy for support.

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