10 Facts To Know About Teens And Alcohol

[This article is part of a youth ministry series we have been writing about for years. Click the link to check out all of the other articles we have here.]

While alcohol is traditionally seen as a substance that is not always associated with illicit substances, the impact that it can have on individuals of any age can be long-lasting and more fatal at times than drugs, yet is more normalized and therefore more risky with teenagers. While most areas have a specific age when alcohol is allowed for drinking, underage drinking is still a concern. To help educate youth pastors and community members to develop awareness, we want to share 10 facts to know about teens and alcohol.

1. Although the purchase of alcohol by persons under the age of 21 is illegal, people aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States. [CDC]
2. In 2018, 19% of youth aged 12 to 20 years drink alcohol and 12% reported binge drinking in the past 30 days. [SAMHSA]
3. Another study reports 52.1% of seniors have drank in the last year, 37.7% of 10th graders and 19.3% of 8th grades have also drank in that time frame. [DrugAbuse.gov]
4. Based on data from 2006–2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, on average, alcohol is a factor in the deaths of 4,358 young people under age 21 each year. [USA.gov]
5. Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience higher school absences and poor grades, fighting, legal problems, unwanted and unprotected sexual activity, disruption in physical and sexual development, and a higher risk of suicide. [CDC]
6. In 2013, there were approximately 119,000 emergency rooms visits by persons aged 12 to 21 for injuries and other conditions linked to alcohol. [CDC]
7. Teens drink for a variety of reasons. Some teens want to experience new things. Others feel pressured into drinking by peers. And some are looking for a way to cope with stress or other problems. Unfortunately, drinking will only make any problems a person has already worse, not better.
8. 4.3 million young people reported binge drinking (for males 5 or more drinks and for females 4 or more drinks on the same occasion within a few hours) at least once in the past month. [SAMHSA]
9. In the United States, a standard drink is one that contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in:

• 12 ounces of beer with about 5 percent alcohol content
• 5 ounces of wine with about 12 percent alcohol content
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits with about 40 percent alcohol content

10. What is binge drinking for teenagers?

• For boys:
  • Ages 9–13: About 3 drinks
  • Ages 14–15: About 4 drinks
  • Ages 16–17: About 5 drinks
• For girls:
  • Ages 9–17: About 3 drinks

What other facts should we consider adding to this list?