Between epidemics of prescription drug abuse and synthetic drugs, not much attention has been given recently to the problem of underage drinking in the United States. There is a mixed bag of theories on how best to prevent youth from drinking, but not all of them are effective.

Factually, 1 in 4 in the US starts drinking before turning 21, reports now say. The time to start thinking about these issues has past. Sadly, most parents today are playing catch-up.

Teen Drinking Trends in America

The federal government confirms that underage drinking in the United States is and remains a grave issue of public health that plagues our schools and families nationwide. According to information collected between 2008 and 2010 (as part of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health), over 26% of participants between the ages of 12 and 20 reported consumption of alcohol within the month prior to the survey. Sadly, about 9% admitted purchasing their own alcohol despite not being of legal age to do so—an indication of corruption on this front.

While some parents choose to go the route of “playing it cool,” by providing alcohol to their young children/teens, recent studies show that this method of “keeping it at home” is actually potentially detrimental. Movies and even parents often glorify alcohol in various social settings, despite the fact that underage alcohol consumption can lead to a lengthy list of adverse effects, including:

-Poor academic performance
-Mental instability (anxiety, depression, loss of motivation)
-Dangerous situations (rape, assault, violence, accidents, etc.)
-Continued/worsened alcohol use
-Drug use
-Addiction
-Accidents
-Health Issues

Northeastern States in Top 10 List For Underage Drinking

Just over a month ago, the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a report listing the top ten states with the worst underage drinking rates in the country.

In keeping with the fact that 1 in 4 in the US starts drinking before turning 21, reports now say that Vermont holds the highest percentage of individuals under 21 consuming alcohol, and the lowest underage drinking rate is held by the state of Utah. Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island are also among the worst states for under-21 alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Dangerous for Developing Teenagers

Although it is wholly the right of parents to decide how to raise a child, the scientific and biological facts behind a teen’s growing body/brain should not be ignored.

Consumption of alcohol (even just a little) can produce a “hangover” feeling. This doesn’t just mean extreme nausea and vomiting. Alcohol depletes the body of vital hydration and burns the B-vitamins that naturally exist in one’s system. During this burn-up, you feel happy and excited. Afterward, however, a number of symptoms can manifest:

-Depression/sadness/numbness
-Lack of energy
-Headaches
-Weight gain
-Bloatedness

Especially because 1 in 4 in the US start drinking before turning 21 (reports say), remember it’s never too early to talk to and educate the youth in your family. This should start in the home. Parents should sit down with their kids and speak with them about the dangers of addiction and alcohol use. Kids should be able to ask questions and parents can even work out ways for their kids to say no.

In addition to education in the home parents should be aware of the signs of alcohol use so that they can spot the problem with teens. If there is an issue help should be gotten through residential rehabilitation.

For more information or to find a Narconon center contact us today.

Source:  http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/hd/33836