Underage Drinking

Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source

MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.

Alcohol is the most widely misused substance among America's youth. Drinking by young people has big health and safety risks. It is dangerous because it:

Causes many deaths and injuries
Can lead to poor decisions about engaging in risky behavior, such as drinking and driving or unprotected sex
Increases the risk of physical and sexual assault
Can lead to other problems, such as trouble in school
May interfere with brain development
Increases the risk of alcohol problems later in life

Kids often begin drinking to look "cool" or fit in with their peers. Parents can help their kids avoid alcohol problems. Open communication and conversations about drinking are important. So is being involved in your child's life. Get help for your child if you suspect a drinking problem.

NIH: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Symptoms, tests and care options

Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.

Blood Alcohol Level · National Library of Medicine
Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Adolescents · American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

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For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.

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