Premium Essay

Effects Of Underage Drinking

Submitted By
Words 468
Pages 2
Underage drinking
Underage drinking is a significant problem in our society today. It is astonishing and disturbing that about 5.4 million people aged 12-20 engage in binge drinking each year. These young people do not understand the terrible consequences of this action on their brain, their education and their physical actions.

The 2013 Youth Risk Behaviour Survey found that amongst high school students:
• 10% drove after drinking alcohol
• 21% binge drank
• 31% drank some alcohol
• 22% rode in a car with a driver who had been drinking alcohol

These statistics show that teenagers are completely unaware or stupidly ignoring the devastating effects of this irresponsible action.

Underage drinking on the brain
Underage drinking has a

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Drinking and Driving

...Underage Drinking and the its Effects on the Economy In America underage drinking has many negative effects on the United States economy. Underage drinking cost the United States economy because of injuries, and or deaths resulting from drinking. Other incidents that cost the United States economy money are traffic accidents, school failures, or even unwanted pregnancies. In total underage drinking coast the United States 4.7 million every hour, 105 million every day, and above 53 billion dollars annually. With underage drinkers starting at thirteen to fourteen, the United States has seen an impact form underage drinkers at colleges all across the nation. With that being said in one year, there were 1400 student deaths, 500,000 injuries, and 70,000 cases of sexual assaults. The Center of Alcohol and Substance Abuse says that about 25 percent of all the alcohol consumed in the United States is from underage drinkers. In many cases, underage drinkers will become addicted to alcohol after they have started to drink the substance. Considering that drinking is one of the three leading causes of deaths in America, besides suicide and homicide, the United States needs to become more aware of this deadly abuse. At least 10.7 million people throughout the Unites States, between the ages of 12 and 17 drink an alcoholic beverage before they reach the age of 21. With this being said, the consumption of alcoholic beverages...

Words: 270 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Methods Paper

...Methods Paper PSY/335 Professor Corey Vigdor June 15, 2015 Methods Paper The average American is addicted to something, drinking, smoking, drug abuse, sex, porn, etc. Our proposal is the effect of underage drinking. To start it off people drink to socialize, celebrate and even relax. Alcohol is a big consumer in the United States and it has a different effect on different people varying throughout history. In high school, the vast majority of the teenagers are always looking to try new things. Among the new things has come alcohol, after all they always want to do something that they can’t or aren’t supposed to do. Taking a deeper look into the effect alcohol has on underage teenagers in high school, it has changed their academic achievement, as well as an increased teen dropout rate. Sampling is an important component to any piece of research because it has a significant impact on the quality of the results. The type of sampling being used is population; this is different in research then compared to how we consider the population under normal circumstances. In sampling, population signifies the units that are being studied. The units can be people, cases, and pieces of data, so for our proposal the unit being studied is the underage teenagers who drink while in high school. During this proposal the uses of descriptive statistics have been used. Descriptive statistics is the term given to the analysis of the data that ultimately helps explain, or summarize the...

Words: 1100 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Acad Perf

...rampant across the majority of the different realms worldwide. Underage drinking is when anyone under the minimum legal drinking age drinks alcohol. Aside from being illegal, it is a widespread public health problem that poses much risk attracting many developing adolescents and teens. The use of alcohol is a worldwide concern resulting to millions of death, including hundreds of thousands of young lives lost. Indicators revealed that underage drinking seem to be on the rise among the adolescents. Statistics showed the assessment of the five-year trend of under-age drinking where out of 73 responding countries, 71 percent indicated an increase, 4 percent a decrease, 8 percent were stable and 16 percent showed inconclusive trends (World Health Organization [WHO] Global Survey on Alcohol and Health, 2011). According to the World Health Report (2002) alcohol is responsible for 4 percent of total diseases burden and 3.2 percent of all premature deaths. It is associated with more than 60 types of diseases and other health conditions, including mental disorders and suicide, several types of cancer, and other non- communicable diseases such as cirrhosis, as well as intentional and unintentional injuries. It is very dangerous and harmful for the health and well-being of people especially the young ones who are considered the future nation-builders. Though progress and movements have been being made, underage drinking remains a persistent problem. In the Philippines, alcohol is widely...

Words: 1605 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Annotated Bibliography for Underage Drinking

...Annotated Bibliography for Underage Drinking Heather Myers DeVry University Annotated Bibliography for Underage Drinking The author stares that, “39% of current 8th graders, 58% of 10th graders, 72% of 12th graders, and 85% of college students have tried alcohol” (Bowersox 2013). Now think in eighth grade the teen is only fourteen years old! That is seven years under the state designated drinking age of twenty-one years. Why is the community allowing teens to drink under the age of twenty-one? Maybe because they think it makes them “cool” parents. This shouldn’t happen there are many reasons on why adults should become less lenient and should not allow their children, friends or family to drink underage the legal drinking age. Our community should be aware of the effects that alcohol has on teens, families, school, and communities. Our young generation does not need alcoholic beverages because those years leading up to the 21st birthday are years to cherish that don’t involve alcohol. After the 21st birthday adults have their whole entire lives to go out and drink minimally without damaging their bodies. Bowersox, J. (2013, March 29). NIH Fact Sheets - Underage Drinking. Retrieved September 22, 2014. This source is categorized in past, present and future facts. It shows different facts about underage drinking in the United States. For example, in the year 1960 to 1970 the legal drinking age in the U.S. was only 18 years old. Later, it was raised to 21 years. This kind...

Words: 775 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Underage Drinking

...Underage Drinking Introduction Underage drinking has long been, and continues to be, a serious public health concern. “Teen alcohol use kills more than 4700 people each year and high school students who use alcohol or other drugs are five times more likely to drop out of school” (MADD, 2014) than kids who do not. There have been years of underage drinking prevention programs to curtail the use of alcohol by those under 21 years of age and yet alcohol is the most widely used drug by adolescents in the United States (Wagoner et al. 2012). Underage drinking is a real problem in all 50 states, even though there are laws in place to prohibit anyone under 21 years of age from drinking alcohol. Parental involvement might be the missing link to decrease underage drinking for good. Statement of the Problem This study proposes that if parents are involved in prevention and intervention programs too, underage drinking will significantly decrease, in addition, age of onset will increase and more adolescents and young adults will abstain from alcohol use until legal age. Access to alcohol for underage drinkers comes from various sources. Many students are aware of local stores that sell alcohol to underage customers, know people who will purchase alcohol for them, and many utilize fake identification cards to purchase alcohol (Phipps, 2013). Surprisingly and sadly, a large provider of alcohol to underage partakers are parents themselves. When individuals become parents...

Words: 1376 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Underage Drinking Research Paper

...their desire to take risks. One of these risks includes alcohol. Underage drinking is a serious health problem that is continues to grow in popularity. According to “Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services”, in 2013,the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 23% of youth aged 12 to 20 years drink alcohol and 14% reported binge drinking in the past 30 days” (Administration). Teens are very curious and would rather ignore all of the negative influences around them. An unpleasant home life, the influence of media, and peer pressure can lead to underage drinking and a damaged life. One of the main reasons for underage drinking is family influence. Family and home life plays a huge role. According...

Words: 739 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Alcohol

...Michael Anzilotti The Effects of Alcohol & Future Decision Making Through my Alcohol Awareness class, I learned some valuable information in statistics, such as Scientists once believed that human brains reached their maximum growth in childhood; however, recent research indicates that brain development continues until about age 25. The Consumption of alcohol during the adolescent years can affect brain development and may result in long-term negative effects. Alcohol can interfere with adolescents’ ability to form new, lasting, and explicit memories of facts and events. Additionally, I learned that the pharmacological effects of alcohol and other chemical substances most immediately interfere with optimal brain functioning. Continued use of alcohol and other drugs over time may keep youth from advancing to more complex stages of thinking and social interaction. In addition to this there are several neurological impacts that underage drinking can have on adolescents. Psychoactive substances such as alcohol produce pleasurable feelings and may diminish stress and emotional pain. These chemicals can turn on the brain’s reward system, which makes people want to repeat the use of substances to obtain the same feelings. Eventually, substance use can alter the structure and chemical makeup of the brain, leading to brain disorders. Some additional health risks that underage drinking incurs includes risky sexual behavior, alcohol poisoning and additional mental health disorders...

Words: 1204 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Underage Drinking Age

...The minimum age for drinking is a very controversial issue. The issue of underage drinking effects many young Americans and their families. Many laws have forbidden the drinking if you are under the age of 21. The arguing has been going on for years. When deciding if you are with or against the change of the minimum age to drink alcohol, there are many factors that should be taken into consideration health factors, laws, and many other factors. When it comes to health factors of drinking alcohol many believe that drinking alcohol is not beneficial in any way. Alcohol can help our body in many ways. Drinking alcohol on an occasion or controlled way can reduce the chance of getting a cardiovascular disease, it can lengthen your life by about...

Words: 1749 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Under Age Madness

...Underage madness Have you ever been to a liquor store and you are on your way to a wonderful evening of relaxation, then out of nowhere you are bombarded by a complete stranger asking you to buy them a beer? I know I have, my initial response to that individual would be “might I ask how old you are?” Then from this point you might hear a series of excuses or lies about the situation until they realize that they are getting nowhere with you and move on to the next target. What did you do in this case? Did you attempt to scare that individual, or did you just mosey on about your business? According to the CDC 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States is consumed by children and young adults between the ages of 12-20. More than 90 percent of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinking. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about 5,000 kids under 21 die every year as a result of underage drinking – from crashes, homicides, and suicides. Teens that drink also are at risk for a long list of other injuries and potential life-long alcohol abuse. Reducing underage drinking can reduce drinking-related harm This problem is important to not only me as a parent but also to you as a driver on the street. Underage drinking is a rapidly growing problem that causes homicides, suicides and public intoxication. We need to put into play harsher punishments for underage drinking and aiding in underage drinking in order to prevent this problem from spreading. We can...

Words: 1496 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Opponent: Lowering the Minimum Legal Drinking Age

...Opponent: Lowering the Minimum Legal Drinking Age Lozi Ms. Rhodes Comp 2 November 11, 2011 Opponent: Lowering the Minimum Legal Drinking Age Introduction At the present time, the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) Law is set at the age of 21 years old. Proponents would have the law revoked and the Minimum Legal Drinking Age reduced. This paper intends to prove that the MLDA should remain as it stands. The Minimum Legal Drinking Age of 21 protects our youth and society as a whole. Evaluation of the Present MLDA: Success Drinking and Driving The present MLDA laws set at 21 are effective. “Almost every state has seen a decrease in teenage driving fatalities since the law went into effect” (Hamilton, 2008, para 3). Before the law took effect, many American youths died in car accidents that could have been avoided if this law had been in effect at the time. “Over the past 20 years, the number of 15 to 20 year olds killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes has been cut in half. The number of 15 to 20 year old drinking drivers involved in fatal crashes also has been cut in half” (Hamilton, 2008, para 15). One cannot argue with statistics. Maturity Factor Most teens would argue that we, as adults, really don’t know anything that they don’t already know. The youth of America have a sense of entitlement, and for the most part, we have created a spoiled generation. “Many youth experiment with unlawful drinking-often to disastrous effects” (National Household Survey On Drug...

Words: 1178 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Underage Drinking: A Functional Analysis

...Underage drinking has become an increasing prevalent social problem among youths in the United States. The article, 1 in 6 high school students binge drink, CDC says, discuss the growing problem of underage drinking and efforts to curb this concern. Despite high rates of teenage drinking, there is a significant decrease in drinking among high school students from 1991 through 2015 (Jimison, 2017). Increased efforts of alcohol prevention are being implemented, such as tougher ID laws and restriction on drunk driving, which contributed to the decrease in drinking. In addition, education about the effects of drinking, especially at a young age, has deterred underage youths from drinking. Drinking can increase the risk of alcohol poisoning, serious injury, or death as students are still developing (Jimison, 2017). Furthermore, 1 in 6 high school students binge drink, CDC says mentioned that a potential cause for underage drinking is parental influence and the...

Words: 629 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Epidemic Of Underage Drinking

...and Andrea were driving in, pushing them into the path of a semi-truck. Both Eric and Andrea were killed.” “Why we’re here” October 1, 2014. Underage drinking is a worldwide epidemic that has various impacts on millions of people every day. Every day there a thousands of different cases having to deal with underage drinking, whether it is effecting the consumer emotionally or physically. Emotionally, underage drinking can bring out many different feelings. Many of the times it brings out anger which leads them to hurting themselves or hurting those around them. Physically it harms many of the human organs; the heart, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, and the brain are some to keep in mind....

Words: 550 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Underage Drinking

... Underage Drinking Alcohol has become the root of many issues in not only the United States but also around the world. There are a countless number of effects it has on your body physically, mentally, and emotionally. From all types health problems such as diseases and cancers, to the the bad decsions you make while under the influence such as drinking and driving and suicide, to the deppression and sadness it can bring. Everyone likes to go and drink to have a good time, but it has become such an abused drug that is ruining many peoples lives because they can't control it. None more than the people who drink underage. Alcohol use by people under the age of 21 is a major problem in the US. It is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth, more than tobacco and illicit drugs. Although drinking under the age of 21 is illegal, people ages 12 to 20 consume more than 11% of all alcohol in the United States each year. Underage drinking has become an epidemic, gradually getting worse every year. Alcohol is responible for the death of almost 5,000 teens each year and approximately 190,000 emergency room visits. Nearly 9 million youths, ages 12-20, report they have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. The rate of current alcohol consumption increases with increasing age according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 1% at age 12 to 15% at age 16 and 39% at age 20. Binge drinking is the most common pattern of excessive...

Words: 1713 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Essay On Underage Drinking And Driving

...In 2013, Ethan Couch was sentenced two years behind bars after killing four people while he was drunk driving. Underage drinking and driving does not only put the driver in danger but it risks other people’s lives and it has been a major issue that our society has been facing for many years. Under the law it is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to drive a motor vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration level of 0.02% or higher, yet many teens make exception for themselves and decides to drive, and ends up getting into a deadly or very serious accidents which can cause to kill innocent people as well. Underage Drinking and driving is issue that has been underestimated by many people over the years and it is essential to...

Words: 1112 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Underage Drinking Research Paper

...Effects of College Drinking/ Underage Drinking Excessive consumption of alcohol is currently common among underage teenagers and young adults. Unfortunately, the abuse has led to many effects that are ignored in the onset of alcohol drinking. Many underage individuals view alcohol drinking as cool or edgy, therefore making them feel like adults while consuming. They also feel that immersing themselves in alcohol will make their problems a less of a concern. They forget that it could lead to addiction, family separation, irresponsibility and other possible effects. The context of this paper will focus on the effect of addiction among the underage individuals and how to handle the problem. It will also concentrate on the costs of the change to...

Words: 1141 - Pages: 5