Teenage Drinking Research Paper

Teenage drinking has become one of the largest social issues among young people in America today. Although, 31.5% of 15 year olds have had at least 1 drink in their lives, teens do not realize the real risks of underage drinking. Underage drinking has become more of a problem throughout America. Teens partake in underage drinking to conform to the “normal” and to fit in with their social groups. Frankly, alcohol ruins many young people’s lives, and is now of the most serious problems young people face.

Research shows that over a period of development teens seek out potentially dangerous situations, which is one reason adolescents partake in underage drinking. Alcohol can cause poor judgement, such as getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Developmental transitions, such as puberty and increasing independence, have been associated with alcohol use. As children move from adolescence to young adulthood, they encounter dramatic physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. The average age for teen boys trying alcohol for the first time 11, the average age for teen girls is 13. As teens grow older undergo life changes, the begin to make decisions they believe will make them “cool” such as underage drinking. Research from Columbia University shows that underage drinkers are responsible for 11.4% of all the alcohol consumed in the U.S. High school is a big transition for many teens. A large transition can lead to stress which can lead to partaking in underage drinking. In 2012, 72% of students participated in the consumption of alcohol by the end of high school, and more than 37% have done so by 8th grade. Although teens think underage drinking will make them cool, they are not fully aware of the risks until it is too late. One risk is alcohol abuse, which can later lead to health problems. Teens who start drinking before age 15 years are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after the legal age of 21. Also, teens who participate in heavy drinking are more likely to harm