Alcohol remains the “drug” of choice for today’s teens, and its use is widespread, with the peak years for initiation beginning in 7th and 8th grades. Alcohol kills more teens than all other illegal drugs combined, and teens who drink regularly are more likely to use illegal drugs than non-drinkers.

Yet, too many parents are not aware of the serious risks associated with underage drinking, choose to accept underage drinking as a normal part of adolescence, or let kids drink in their homes, thinking that this is safer. But, it’s not.

An adolescent’s brain is still developing, and alcohol can affect the part of the brain that deals with memory and learning, judgment, motor coordination and impulse control. Regular alcohol use can lead to alcohol dependence and addiction, and the earlier a teen begins to drink, the greater the chance for addiction. Alcohol also affects girls differently than guys, and young women need to be aware of how the choices they make can impact their future.

Teens who drink regularly or who binge drink are at a much greater risk for STDs, unprotected and unplanned sexual activity, violence, car crashes, alcohol related injuries and school failure. Thousands of young people are admitted to emergency rooms across the country each year for alcohol poisoning – an often fatal result of underage and binge drinking.

Parents and teens need to know the facts about underage and binge drinking. Our alcohol awareness materials, posters and information and underage drinking resources can help. We offer “real” facts for teens and advice for parents on teen drinking.