underage drinking - a sobering look at this important issue

Whether it is poor self-esteem, a dare, or peer pressure, more and more of our children are engaging in underage drinking as a means of being accepted, or of escaping what they cannot accept themselves.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, at least 50% of eighth graders have had one or more drinks, and more than 20% have reported being drunk. If those statistics on underage drinking don't scare you, then consider this: the institute also notes that 20% of eighth graders and 50% of twelfth graders, report having had alcohol in the last 30 days.

There is mounting evidence that teenage drinking is on the increase, with more alcohol-related car accidents being recorded for the age group of 16-20, than 20-25, when drinking would be legal, and easily accessible.

The adolescent years are a time of development when alcohol can take a serious toll in terms of brain damage, and a propensity for heavy or addictive drinking later in life. The behavioral changes induced by alcohol can not only alienate the friends of a teen already struggling with issues of self-esteem, but can also land them in trouble with the law, when they are unable to make rational decisions, or become belligerent.

Injury, either through fighting or car accidents, in addition to unwanted pregnancies, and trouble with the law, are just a few of the consequences caused by teenage drinking.

Early intervention, through education and effective treatment, is an absolute must if we are to avoid the long-term damages that underage drinking can wreak on the next generation of adolescents.

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