For many teens, alcohol is a mechanism to cope with the stress caused from the pressures of modern life. Other teenagers drink when they are upset, bored, to get drunk and many drink alone. What our teens don’t seem to understand or want to understand is the tragic consequences that are associated with binge drinking and alcohol abuse. And that those consequences not only effect them, but also their friends and family. All we need to do is look at some of these teenage drinking facts to realize the danger of teenage drinking.

Note that the research and statistics below do not state percentages. The reason being is that the percentages change so quickly, the information would be outdated as soon as this article was printed. The purpose of these drinking statistics is to emphasize the dangers and risks of underage drinking.

Teenage Drinking Statistics

• Drinking increases the likelihood of sexual activity. And those who have sex when they are drunk are less likely to use condoms, placing them at risk for pregnancy or HIV.
• Young people who start to drink before 15 are more likely to have an alcohol addiction later in life.
• Binge drinking in both males and females is increasing, however female binge drinking is increasing more rapidly.
• Alcohol is the leading cause of preventable death for people under the age of 21. (Source: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2004)
• Alcohol kills more kids than all illegal drugs combined. (Source: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2000)
• Alcohol use is implicated in almost two thirds of the sexual assault and date rape cases among teens and college students.
• Almost half of college students who said they had been victims of crime admitted they used drugs or alcohol before the crime occurred.
• READ THIS – Every day approximately 3 teenagers die from drinking and driving (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). On top of that, every day, at least 6 teenagers will die of other alcohol related causes such as homicide, suicide and drowning.

These statistics only backup the fact that our Nation has a serious problem with teenage drinking. We are aware of the dangers of underage drinking, such as alcohol dependence, pregnancy, damage to the developing brain, injuries and even death. Bring it home, talk with your children, be involved in their lives. If you’ve noticed an unexpected change in behavior such as depression and suspect a problem then seek out the support of a professional. Don’t be a passive bystander.