Alcohol Access for Underage Drinkers

Is Easy Access to Alcohol a Risk Factor for Teens and Young Adults?

According to the American Medical Association teens and young adults generally have easy access to alcohol.  The majority of teens surveyed said that they can obtain alcohol from their own homes without their parents knowing.  Teens also look outside the home to parents of friends that will supply them with alcohol.  Nearly a quarter of teens surveyed said that they attended parent supervised parties where minors were drinking alcohol.

Early access to alcohol and drug experimentation is a known risk factor for a person to develop a more serious problem later in life.  A family history of heavy alcohol or drug use is also a known culprit.  Heavy drinking can have serious consequences for young adults.  Alcohol can affect brain development in young people and normal body growth.   Other adverse health conditions associated with binge drinking in minors include obesity, high blood pressure and even brain damage.

The longer that a person engages in heavy drinking, the more likely that they will experience long-term health problems.  It is important that teens and young adults understand the risks associated with alcohol.  One of the leading causes of preventable deaths is driving under the influence of alcohol.  Too many lives are lost every year.  Alcohol can be a dangerous substance, particularly for a young, developing mind.  While easy access to alcohol is not the only risk factor facing teens, it is a serious problem.