Causes & Effects of Teenage Drinking

Underage drinking is prevalent in the United States; the majority of teenagers have tried alcohol by the time they are a senior in high school. Several factors are at play as to why alcohol consumption is so common among teens. Adolescents and parents should understand the dangerous effects of this illegal behavior. A 2006 report from the US Department of Health and Human Services reveals that 5,000 underage drinkers die annually.

Environmental Causes

• Adolescents spend a considerable amount of time with their peers who influence their behaviors. They may drink because it makes them feel popular or cool. Teens also can get access to alcohol at parties or by hanging out with older individuals. In fact, teen girls are more likely to drink alcohol if they are dating an older male, according to the 2006 federal report on underage drinking. Media promotion of alcohol is also ever-present in the environment. Corporations develop memorable ad campaigns that show how much fun drinking alcohol can be. The TRU Study from 2002 revealed that teens chose beer ads as their favorite TV advertisements.

Developmental Causes

• Brain development during the teen years is unfinished and may play a role in underage drinking. Understanding of the connections between actions and consequences is not totally developed during this age. In addition, the changes in brain development during adolescence may play a role in why teens pursue risky behaviors and find pleasure in alcohol's effects on the body. Teens can often withstand more alcohol than adults before feeling its effects, further explaining why binge drinking occurs in this age group.

Effect on Behaviors

• Underage drinking puts teens more at risk for a number of high-risk activities. Alcohol not only plays a role in teen suicide and vehicular mortality but also in sexual health, according to a 2003 report from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. They are more likely to have unsafe sex and have multiple partners, resulting in high risks for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies. Alcohol use can also increase a teen's chances of being sexually assaulted.

Cognitive & Mental Effects

• The effects of alcohol on the brain are substantial. Underage drinking can negatively impact the important brain development occurring during the teen years. Even minor cognitive effects can have a considerable impact on adolescents' ability to do well in school and in their careers. Alcohol can even alter the brain's structure at this age, affecting memory and learning ability. These impairments can last into adulthood, even if alcohol consumption is discontinued.