Underage Drinking Statistics - USA Teens Drinking Stats (2024)

Written by: Editorial Staff

Updated

Oct 25, 2022

Underage drinking statistics tell the story of America’s battle with alcoholism. Knowing how many young people are drinking encourages governments and communities to step up their efforts for prevention and treatment.

At the same time, each alcohol abuse situation is unique and deserves individualized attention. If you believe you may have a drinking problem or if you suspect a friend or family member may be abusing alcohol, you can find help. The following statistics reveal the ways youths are harming themselves and what can be done to recognize the signs of an underage drinking problem.

Teen Drinking Statistics in the U.S.

Approximately one out of every ten alcoholic drinks in the U.S.A. is consumed illegally. Despite age 21 being the legal drinking age, children as young as 12 years old have engaged in under-age alcoholism. In fact, more than 70 percent of teens have consumed at least one alcoholic beverage by the time they reach age 18, which is still under the legal age.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention presents some alarming underage drinking statistics for 2009. When high school students were asked about their behaviors during the previous 30 days:

Four out of ten had drunk beer, wine, spirits, or liquor (before their 21st birthdays)
One of those four people had driven after drinking alcohol
One out of four had engaged in binge drinking, which is having five or more drinks during the same occasion
Just as many, approximately one out of four, had ridden in a vehicle with a drunk driver

Binge drinking, in particular, is a problem for teens. Studies on underage drinkers reveal that teenagers do not drink as frequently as adults, but they do tend to drink more in a single setting. More than 90 percent of under age alcoholism is related to binge drinking.

If you fall into any of these categories, you may be unaware of the consequences or you may be afraid of what will happen if you stop drinking. By calling us, you can speak with a knowledgeable counselor who can evaluate your situation confidentially and suggest treatment options.

Related Content

Demographic Stats on Drinking
Statistics by Profession
Alcohol Issues by Race

What Happens When Teens Drink Too Much?

Many children and young adults do not understand the consequences of drinking too much. The social aspects of drinking, whether for rebellion, self-medication, or peer acceptance, often mask the underlying damage caused by alcohol.

Ways to Recognize a Drinking Problem

Most people have trouble admitting they have an alcohol problem. Whether they are adults, teenagers, or children, they either do not see the signs themselves or they are in denial about the situation. The following signs can help detect whether you or someone you love has an underage drinking problem:

Unusual changes in mood, including irritability, sudden flares of temper, and defensive words or actions
Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, stumbling, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating
Rebellion against school rules, family rules, or social conventions
Sudden switch to friends who are unknown to the parents or guardians
Abnormal problems in school, such as low grades, attendance and tardiness issues, and disciplinary actions
Low energy, lack of involvement, and a general sloppy appearance
Presence of alcohol in a child’s room, backpack, locker, vehicle, or other places of importance
Smelling alcohol on the person’s breath

The appearance of a single warning sign may be no cause for alarm, but a person meeting several of the criteria may benefit from a professional evaluation. To speak with an advisor about your unique situation, please call us. A simple phone call can prevent another person from becoming an additional victim in underage drinking statistics.