According to the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there are 11 million underage drinkers in the United States, and nearly 7.2 million are considered binge drinkers. Underage drinking has been recognized as a serious public health and safety problem. Young people who do drink tend to drink a lot. Alcohol use, binge drinking and frequent binge drinking all increase significantly between the ages of 12 and 20, which encompass most of adolescence.

Young people go through many developmental changes during adolescence that include physical, emotional, social, and contextual changes. Research shows that the brain continues to develop into a person’s twenties which lead to concerns about the effects of alcohol on brain development. Using alcohol during adolescence can have a big impact on development of the skills and abilities needed in adulthood.

Not only does underage drinking have a detrimental impact on adolescent development, it causes concerns about future alcohol abuse and dependency. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s (NIAAA) first National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) found that 40 percent of people who said they started drinking before age 15 described their drinking patterns later in life in a way that is consistent with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. Studies have also found highest prevalence of alcohol dependence in the entire U.S. population is among 18-20 year olds.

Here you can find additional information and resources on underage drinking and tools to help you prevent underage drinking in your community.

Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Weekly Update

Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking

Community Guide to Underage Drinking

Alcohol Industry 101

Politics of Alcohol Policy Change

Alcohol Industry and Youth Partner or Foe?

Building Successful Coalitions to Address Underage Drinking Guide

NSDUH Underage Drinking Report (Current)