Teenage drinking is a major problem all across the U.S. According to the Marin Institute, 11,317 Americans ages of 12 to 20 try alcohol for the first time. While drinking in moderation at a legal age is not a problem for most people, drinking under the legal age and in excess can lead to serious problems. The Marin Institute says that alcohol use is the leading cause of death among teenagers. The reason that teenage drinking is such a problem is that teenagers are easily influenced by their peers, to the point where alcohol use can quickly escalate to excessive drinking and alcohol abuse.
Alcohol Poisoning
According to the Nemours Foundation, when a teenager drinks alcohol, he becomes more relaxed and may want to drink even more as he forgets his worries. If he drinks a large amount of alcohol within a short period of time, there is a risk of alcohol poisoning. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, losing consciousness, trouble breathing, a drop in blood sugar and even seizures. In extreme cases, alcohol poisoning can kill. Teenagers are at a higher risk of alcohol poisoning since their bodies are not as used to alcohol as adults and they usually weigh less, which means alcohol has a more profound effect on their body.
Legal Punishment
Another effect of alcohol abuse on teenagers is legal punishment. According to Potsdam University in New York, each state sets its own laws regarding the legal drinking age. Underage drinking can lead to arrest. Even though teenagers may have easy access to alcohol, getting caught means they could face fines, juvenile detention or jail time, especially if driving under the influence is a factor. The Nemours Foundation states that teens who get caught drinking often are arrested, not only for underage drinking, but also for crimes related to drinking such as fights. Those that abuse alcohol, drinking heavy amounts frequently, are even more likely to get caught.
Pregnancy and STDs
Since alcohol diminishes a person's ability to think logically, teenagers who drink are at increased risk for adopting dangerous behaviors such as unplanned sexual activity. Teens who are abusers of alcohol may have unprotected sex more often while under the influence of alcohol, which can lead to teen pregnancies. In addition to teenage pregnancies, unprotected sex can cause sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes and HIV.
Obesity
Alcohol not only contributes excess calories, but it also is metabolized differently than food, often leading to obesity when drunken in excess. Teenage drinkers are even more likely to become obese, according to the Nemours Foundation. Teenagers who abuse alcohol, drinking it several times a week or even every day in heavy amounts, are likely to gain weight, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems later.
