Getting Started

Start by understanding some of the reasons teens say they drink:

• Bored and drinking gives them something to do
• Feel pressured by others to do so
  
• Trying to escape from the challenges of their lives
  
• It’s a way to celebrate or blow off steam

Then, arm yourself with information.

Alcohol is the No. 1 youth drug problem in America and more young people die from alcohol-related causes than from all other illicit drugs combined. And, it is a factor in the three leading causes of death for teens. It can also seriously damage long- and short-term growth processes, which is clearly outlined in the Alcohol and the Teen Brain section of this Web site.

Unlike when you or your parents were a teenager, youth today are drinking with the goal of getting drunk. And for many teens, it is not just a weekend event. There are an estimated 3.3 million teenagers in the U.S. who are alcoholics.

Despite these alarming statistics, there are still many adults who do not understand the need for the 21 minimum drinking age law. Some even feel that without the restrictions teens wouldn’t feel as compelled to take the same risks. Then there are parents who believe that teens should be taught to drink responsibly.

Teaching teens to drink responsibly is not an option for there is no “responsible” teen drinking. And allowing teens to drink alcohol sends the message that underage drinking is acceptable—even encouraged. As a result, teens often have a hard time drawing a line between having parent supervision to drink alcohol vs. drinking alcohol without supervision.   

Allowing your child to consume alcohol before the legal age of 21 can also have serious consequences.

• Among drinkers, those who had their first drink before the age of 13 were twice as likely to have unplanned sex, and more than twice as likely to have unprotected sex. (Hingson, 2003)
• In 2003, 77 percent of high school seniors reported using alcohol; in comparison, 53 percent smoked cigarettes; 46 percent used marijuana, and 8 percent used cocaine. (Monitoring The Future, 2004)
• Individuals who begin drinking before 15 are four times more likely to suffer alcohol problems than those who postpone drinking until 21. (Hingson)

Clearly, it’s critical for you talk to your child about not drinking underage. And part of those important discussions need to include clear boundaries with consequences.