Underage Drinking By: Melissa Flores and Shayne Cosme Myth: Alcohol isnt as harmful as other drugs. Fact: Alcohol is as dangerous or even more dangerous then any drug and has incredibly negative affects on the body like any drug. The Realities of Teen Drinking Today In 2012, nearly three fourths of students (72%) have consumed alcohol by the end of high school. More than one third (37%) have done so by 8 th grade. Underage drinking accounts for 11.4% of alcohol consumed in the United States. The average teen boys first drink is 11years old, and the average teen girls is 13 years old. The Realities of Teen Drinking (continued) Teens who start drinking before the age of 15 are 5 times more likely to develop alcoholic dependency when they are older. Every year, about 30,000 college students require medical treatment from overdosing on alcohol. The three leading causes of death for year olds are car crashes, homicides, and suicides and alcohol is the leading factor in all three. Ways to Prevent Teen Drinking 1.Do not be afraid to say no. Pressure may be tough to go against, but at the end of the day you are left with yourself and your own decisions. Do not let people make negative decisions for you. 2. Be careful with who you spend your time with. If you hang out with the wrong crowd, it is very likely that soon you will be headed down the same negative path as they are. 3. Make connections with parents or adults so you can communicate with them when in a difficult situation pertaining to drugs or alcohol. Ways to Prevent Drinking (continued) 4. Do not depend on drugs and alcohol to have fun or a good time. Get out and be active in the comminute such as music, sports, arts, or a part time job. 5. Do not let alcohol and drugs interfere with the trust you have with your parents. 6. Parents should have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol. Dr. Stratyner states, The research shows that when teens are raised with a strict no drinking policy the are less likely to drink and if they do, they drink less.