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An Epidemic with Staying Power: Underage Drinking

An Epidemic with Staying Power: Underage Drinking. Carol L. Falkowski Director of Research Communications Hazelden Foundation. Prevalence of Underage Drinking. 1999: 10.4 million young current drinkers (12-20 years) Current alcohol use: 50% of high school seniors 41% of 10 th graders

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An Epidemic with Staying Power: Underage Drinking

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  1. An Epidemic with Staying Power: Underage Drinking Carol L. Falkowski Director of Research Communications Hazelden Foundation

  2. Prevalence of Underage Drinking • 1999: 10.4 million young current drinkers (12-20 years) • Current alcohol use: • 50% of high school seniors • 41% of 10th graders • 22% of 8th graders • Most 10th and 8th grade students report alcohol to be easy to get

  3. Binge Drinking • 5 or more drinks on the same occasion • 38% of youth, ages 18-25 report binge drinking • 13.3% of youth (18-25 yrs) report binge drinking 5 or more days in the past month

  4. Consequences of Adolescent Alcohol Use • Impairs cognitive ability and judgment • Unwanted sexual activity • Heightened threat when driving • Greater risk of accidental injuries, suicide and violence • Escalates risk-taking • Increases risk of future addiction

  5. Recent Accomplishments • Age 21 minimum drinking age laws reduced traffic fatalities among 18-20 year olds by 13% • This saved 18,000 lives since 1975 • All 50 states have legal blood alcohol levels of .00% or .02% for persons under age 21

  6. Current Challenges • Many parents don’t object to underage drinking if the youth don’t drive • Youth are exposed to enticing ad campaigns • New and dangerous drinking games

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