Underage Drinking Research Paper

The article, “Alcohol can rewire the teenage brain,” starts by stating that more than 4,750 American kids aged 15 and younger, said they took their first drink of alcohol already. Kids who start drinking before the age of 15 are more likely to become alcoholics because they get addicted to the drug. The article also states that they are more likely to start binge drinking. A study conducted by Lorena Siqueira a pediatrician at the Florida International University and Nicklaus Children’s hospital in Miami, reported that, “When kids drink, they tend to do heavy drinking,” and that, “Their bodies are not ready to handle that kind of alcohol.” Teens think that alcohol will help them feel happier and better, but that is not true. Teens also drink

“With such compelling information, the question is why haven 't we been able to do more to prevent the crisis of underage drinking? The answer is: rising the age to 25” is what Lucille Roybal-Allard once said, a U.S. Representative for serving in Congress since 1993. This statement has brought many to speculate of issues and debates. This expression opened the eyes of American people that often struggled to make this truth into a reality. It might be easy to believe that age laws lowered the deaths of the underage but there are still signs of its dreadful company in many pieces of American life. Families who choose to educate their children about underage drinking and driving, seem to have a higher chance of getting through with the child. These underage teens can face jail or death when they give drinking a chance and even attempt to drive, having a sexual intercourse or just plain out doing something out of the teen’s element.

At an early age many teenagers start the abuse of alcohol, and end up becoming addicted which then turns them into alcoholics. “Research also shows that many adolescents start to drink at very young ages. In 2003, the average age of first use of alcohol was about 14” (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). As the years go by

Teen alcoholism is a problem that has been plaguing the United States for many decades now. The legal age for alcohol consumption is twenty-one years old in every state of the United States, but this law is commonly broken. The fact that it has not been strictly enforced caused an outbreak of alcohol consumption between minors all over, and because of this, we have been accepting teenage drinking more than ever. The problem lies in the lack of law enforcement, the acceptance by parents and guardians, and the overall attitude of teenagers themselves. Although there are many ways to attempt to treat alcoholism, we find few solutions to be effective (Underage Drinking, 2012).

Drinking alcohol is like taking a drug. It is a worldwide problem. One of the larger groups effected by alcohol is teenagers and young adults. According to the book Alcohol “Drinking to get drunk has become more common. Teenagers and young adults say they drink for the buzz.” As time progresses underage drinking becomes more relevant. Teens and young adults drink for various reasons but don’t think of the consequences or effects. Although alcohol abuse causes long term and short term effects, young people still abuse it.

According to recent statistics, data regarding teen drinking indicates that youth usually drink less frequently than adults, but tend to drink more when they choose to use alcohol. In terms of gender,

“Teens who drink don’t just drink. They drink to excess. More than 7 percent of eighth graders, 16 percent of sophomores, and 23 percent of seniors report recent binge drinking” (Karen Bellenir 65). Alcoholism continues to ruin the lives of underage drinkers; alcoholics in general are walking billboards to major companies that advertise their products, especially underage drinkers that in the process they mess up their lives, and make alcohol companies wealthier. Crimes, violence, and homicides are a result of alcoholism side effects taking over the lives of those who fall under the spell. Giving underage drinkers a false sense of security, self confidence, and maturity. At one point or another hitting rock bottom, walking up to a world they once belonged to, and cannot find a way to reincorporate in to it, leading them to commit suicide, vanishing one at a time without anyone noticing them.

Peer pressure can play a major role on young teens who consume alcoholic beverages. Another big role that takes part is teens being depressed because their boyfriend/girlfriend broke up or had a fight. Which can also lead to peer pressure, by having friends that want to cheer them up and there is a huge party at Bryan’s that night. Long story

“According to the U.S Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) alcohol is a drug, and everyday more than 4,750 American kids aged 15 and younger take their first drink.” “Alcohol can rewire the teenage brain.” Teen drinking is a controversial topic, some will say that it isn’t good and should be stopped, some think that it's ok and they should have fun. “Approximately 5,000 people under 21 die from drinking. That means 1-5 of you will die from alcohol abuse before you’re 21 years of age.”"Underage Drinking."

In the article “10 Reasons Teens Abuse Alcohol or Drugs,” multiple explanations are given as to why young adults might misuse alcohol. The article describes common reasons such as being influenced by peers, yearning for rebellion, and simply wanting to have a good time. It also provides more complicated motives for underage alcohol use. This includes using the feeling of intoxication to escape and feel better or even struggling with teenage addiction (“10 Reasons Teens Abuse Alcohol or Drugs”). The purpose of this article seems to be to inform parents of potential teenage alcoholics that there are reasons why their child might be acting recklessly, and the best thing a parent can do when it comes to dealing with a wild, partying teenager, is

“About 7.7 million Americans between ages 12-20 report current alcohol consumption; this represents nearly 20% of this age group for whom alcohol consumption is illegal. Among 12-20 year olds, reported rates of past month consumption, binge drinking and heavy alcohol all declined between 2006 and 2015” (2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health). Underage drinking is a serious problem in society. Minors think it is “cool” to go to parties and drink with friends. The consequences of doing so do not cross a minor’s mind until it is too late. Peer pressure, modeling parents’ behavior, and curiosity all lead to underage drinking.

As though the youth don't already make inferior choices without alcohol, with it, the results can be fatalistic. “…about 1155 persons under 21 die every year in car crashes involving underage drinking.” (Consumer Information, 2013). This is proof of how alcohol is poison to the youth, dominating their behavior, and becoming the cause to such young deaths. With the help of alcohol, teens awareness is being altered. “In 2008, almost 40,000 youth ages 15-20 were admitted to hospitals due to alcohol problems.” (Consumer Information, 2013). The numbers review the risks put in place by teens consuming alcohol. If the damage done is not lethal, it very well can still be life changing. From broken bones, to possibly killing or injuring someone else, everything can change in one

“Underage drinking is a risk that attracts many developing adolescents and teens. When young people try alcohol, they often don't realize the damaging effects drinking can have on their own lives, their

For this reason, the developmental perspective provides a framework to examine the effectiveness of parent alcohol workshops on underage drinking. Adolescence, in particular, encompasses the onset of puberty, secondary school transitions, and the second decade of life (from around age 8 to 10 to approximately age 18 to 20). The systems responsible for considering consequences as well as for cognitive and self-regulatory controls mature more gradually throughout adolescence and into early adulthood. This is likely to help explain the increase in risk-taking behavior in adolescence (Masten, Faden, Zuker and Spear,

According to Dryden-Edwards (2), teenage drinking is widespread, and teenagers believe that it is acceptable. But, teenagers’ bodies are still developing. They fail to realize that consuming alcohol places them in danger for numerous issues.  Consuming alcohol is more widespread among teenagers than most realize. "Alcohol and Teen Drinking" (1) reports that three-fourths of seniors, a little over two-thirds of Sophomores, and two out of five 8th graders have experimented with alcohol. With rising statistical information available on teenage drinking escalating, the signs and symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention becomes important factors in protecting our youth.