Be Smart!

With the information gained from the below posts, use your new-found knowledge to make the right decision and abstain from underage drinking!

 

Citations

For more information use the following websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA67/AA67.htm
http://www.centurycouncil.org/underage-drinking/underage-drinking-researchhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=954o5i6fbj4

Know the Impact of YOUR Choices!

Health Risks?

If the statistics aren't enough, underage binge drinking has also been directly linked to several negative health factors that could otherwise be avoided.

• BRAIN EFFECTS- Scientists have gathered that the human brain continues to develop until age 25. With that being said, any underage drinking has long term effects on the Brain, such as stunted development, and both long and short term memory loss.
  
• LIVER EFFECTS- In some teenage drinkers, scientists have found elevated liver enzymes which is a sign of liver damage. When the liver attempts to break down the chemicals found in alcohol, the resulting substances damage the live, and lead to inflammation of the liver.
  

Scary Statistics!

"Each year, approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking; this includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, 1,600 as a result of homicides, 300 from suicide, as well as hundreds from other injuries such as falls, burns, and drownings" (http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA67/AA67.htm)

The above charts show the emergency visits due to underage drinking


Numbers exceeding 190,000 underage drinkers have been taken to a hospital or emergency room as a result of alcohol consumption. 

10.4 million teens between the ages 12 and 20 have been said to have drank significant amounts of alcohol.

What is Underage Drinking?

Underage drinking is the consumption of alcohol of anyone under the legal age of 21.

Underage drinking is a health concern that is widespread among a large number of teens today. Often times, when teens or adolescents try alcohol, they are unaware of the building negative health factors and detrimental consequences it brings to their lives, and the lives of those around them. 

Aside from being against the law, underage drinking among young people has various health effects that have sparked global prevention. 

The following information will give you insight as to why.