Statistics on Alcohol Use for Teens
Teens seem to be wired to break the rules and indulge in risky behavior. While taking risks and pushing boundaries may be an important part of adolescent development, when those risks involve alcohol and alcohol abuse, there can be severe consequences. Parents can learn to recognize the patterns around teen drinking and minimize the risks.
According to the Center for Disease Control’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, high school students in 2023 reported that:
- 22% of high school students drank alcohol in the previous 30 days
- 8% were currently binge drinking
- 13% had drunk alcohol before age 13
- 42% obtained the alcohol they drank by someone giving it to them
- 2% reported having had 10 or more drinks in a row
What Are the Negative Effects of Drinking Alcohol as a Teen?
Underage drinking is most commonly done in the form of binge drinking. Combining the reduced inhibition caused by alcohol with increased risky behavior among teens can have tragic consequences. Drinking was responsible for around 4,000 deaths among young people below the age of 21 during 2020 and 2021.
Using alcohol during the teen years can affect the brain, leading to long-term consequences. Human brains continue to develop into the mid-20s. While teens already have a high intellectual capacity, they are still developing impulse control and emotional regulation. Drinking in the teenage years can interfere with this significant development.
Teens who start drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder later in life than those who wait until the legal drinking age to start drinking. There are many factors involved in teen alcohol and drug use or abuse; it’s important to get involved as early as possible.
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No matter where you are in your recovery journey, our levels of care are personalized to your unique needs.
Preventing Your Teen From Drinking
Learning to recognize signs that your child is drinking is the first step in preventing alcohol abuse issues down the line. If you notice any changes such as deceptive behavior, changes in their friend group, signs of a hangover in the morning, or academic struggles, be proactive and find out what is going on for your child.
Many teen drinking stories involve drinking their parent’s alcohol, so consider securing any alcohol you have at home. One of the most effective ways to prevent binge drinking is to make sure that they are being supervised in the evenings. Get to know your teen’s friends and their parents, and confirm that your teen goes where they say they will.
Find the Right Facility for Your Needs
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Treatment for Underage Drinking and Co-Occurring Disorders
If you suspect that your teen is binge drinking, let them know and express your concern. You may be able to address the issue and get a sense of the extent of their drinking. If your teen is abusing alcohol, Sandstone Care is here to help.
We offer a continuum of care tailored to the unique needs of teenagers and their families. Call (888) 850-1890 today with any questions and to get you and your child the support they require.
