Alcohol
Alcohol is the most widely used substance among the nation’s youth. There are many negative consequences of underage drinking including injuries, violence, and death. In 2022, 3.2 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported binge drinking at least once in the past month. In addition, approximately 646,000 youth ages 12 to 20 reported binge drinking on 5 or more days over the past month.
3.2 million youth, ages 12 to 20
reported binge drinking in 2022.
What is a
Standard Drink?
In the United States: A standard drink typically contains about 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol.
This is roughly equivalent to:​
12 FLUID OUNCES
(355 milliliters)of beer with about 5% alcohol content.
5 FLUID OUNCES
(148 milliliters) of wine with about 12% alcohol content.
1.5 FLUID OUNCES
(44 milliliters) of distilled spirits or liquor (such as vodka, whiskey, rum) with about 40% alcohol content.
Understanding what constitutes a standard drink, typically containing about 14 grams of pure alcohol, can aid in monitoring alcohol intake and avoiding excessive consumption. This awareness is particularly vital for teenagers, as their brains are still developing, and early alcohol use significantly heightens the risk of alcohol-related issues later in life.
Underage Drinking is Dangerous
Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience:
-
Academic issues, like higher rates of absences and lower grades.
-
Social challenges, such as engaging in fights or reduced participation in youth activities.
-
Legal troubles, including DUI arrests or causing harm to others while intoxicated.
-
Physical ailments like hangovers, illnesses, and unintended sexual encounters.
-
Disruptions in normal growth and sexual development.
-
Exposure to physical and sexual violence.
-
Increased risks of suicide, homicide, and alcohol-related accidents.
-
Memory impairments and misuse of other substances.
-
Long-term changes in brain development.
-
Risk of alcohol poisoning and other health hazards like burns, falls, and drowning.
Binge Drinking
Binge drinking, defined as consuming more than four drinks for women or more than five drinks for men at one time, is a widespread issue among teenagers and young adults, carrying significant risks.
There are multiple dangers associated with binge drinking:
Binge drinking involves rapid consumption of a large quantity of alcohol, leading to swift intoxication and a heightened risk of alcohol poisoning, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition.
Alcohol impacts the central nervous system, causing impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times. This increases the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and dangerous behaviors like driving while intoxicated.
Binge drinking correlates with a higher frequency of accidents such as falls, burns, drownings, and motor vehicle crashes. Diminished cognitive abilities and coordination make individuals more susceptible to these incidents.
Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. It may also lead to mood swings, aggression, and impaired decision-making, straining interpersonal relationships and causing conflicts.
Continual binge drinking can contribute to the development of severe health issues like liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, and neurological disorders. It also heightens the risk of certain types of cancer.
Binge drinking can lead to social challenges such as strained relationships, social isolation, and difficulties in academics or employment. Moreover, it can result in legal repercussions like fines, public intoxication arrests, and DUI charges.
Regular or prolonged binge drinking increases the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD), a chronic condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite its negative effects.
It's Imporatant to Know
Different types of alcoholic beverages have varying alcohol concentrations, so the size of a standard drink may differ accordingly. Monitoring alcohol consumption by understanding what constitutes a standard drink can help individuals practice moderation and avoid excessive drinking.
%
Teen brains are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, as research indicates that brain development continues until around age 25. Alcohol consumption during adolescence can interfere with this process, potentially affecting brain structure and function.
Early onset of drinking significantly raises the risk of alcohol-related problems later in life. Studies suggest that individuals who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence.
Resources
Resources for mental health, substance use, recovery and naloxone
Resources for underage drinking and impaired driving prevention, and responsible drinking
What Are The Signs Of Alcohol Use Disorder
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), AUD is classified based on the presence of 2 or more of the following criteria within 12 months:
-
Alcohol is often taken in more significant amounts or consumed longer than intended.
-
A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts exist to reduce or control alcohol use.
-
A significant amount of time is spent on activities necessary to obtain or use alcohol or recover from the effects of alcohol.
-
Craving or a strong desire or urge to consume alcohol.
-
Regular alcohol use leads to an inability to meet essential responsibilities at work, school, or home.
-
Continued use of alcohol despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
-
Significant reduction of important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to alcohol use.
-
Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
-
Continued use of alcohol despite knowing a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological issue is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
-
The need for significantly increased amounts of alcohol to attain intoxication or the desired effect.
-
​A substantial reduction in the desired effect even with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
-
The presence of the typical withdrawal syndrome of alcohol.
-
Frequent consumption of alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) to alleviate or prevent the onset of withdrawal symptoms.
