UNDERAGE DRINKING (UNDER 21)

Underage drinking continues to be the leading cause of death among youth here in the United States. Approximately 5,000 youth under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking; this includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, 1,600 as a result of homicides, 300 from suicides, as well as hundreds from other injuries such as falls, burns, and drowning (1-5). (Source: U.S Department of Health & Human Services, Alcohol Alert)

In Arizona, underage drinking is the number one problem among the youth. Among 8th, 10th and 12th graders, it is the most commonly use substance.

(Source: drawyourline.com)

• 24 percent of 8th graders, 39 percent of 10th graders and 47 percent of 12th graders reported drinking within the past 30 days prior to taking the survey. (Source: Arizona Youth Survey 2006)

• Use by 8th, 10th and 12th graders is higher in Arizona than it is nationwide. (Source: National Monitoring the Future, 2006)
  

• In 2007, 600 Arizona juveniles were arrested for DUI offenses; another 2,200 young people ages 18 and 19 were also arrested. (Source: Crime in Arizona & the Arizona Department of Transportation)

(Source: 2006 Arizona Crash Facts Summary)

With all the peer pressure, TV, movies and music glamorizing the use of alcohol and other illicit drugs, it makes it that much harder for youth to say "NO". That is why it is important that youth understand that alcohol is addicting and can have long-term effects on their bodies.

Health and Safety Risks of Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is a risk factor for heavy drinking later in life, and continued heavy use of alcohol leads to increased risk across the lifespan for acute consequences and for medical problems such as cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus; liver cirrhosis; pancreatitis; and hemorrhagic stroke.

Youth who report drinking before the age of 15 are more likely than those who begin drinking later in life to have other substance abuse problems during adolescence; to engage in risky sexual behavior; and to be involved in car crashes, unintentional injuries, and physical fights after drinking, both during adolescence and in adulthood.

About 45% of people who die in crashes involving a drinking driver under the age of 21 are people other than the driver.

An estimated 7.9% of 16- or 17-year-olds, 19.7% of 18 to 20-year-olds, and 27.3% of 21 to 25-year-olds reported driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year.

(Source: National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. , Facts about Underage Drinking)

Consequences of Underage Drinking

Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience:

• School problems, such as higher absence and poor or failing grades.
• Social problems, such as fighting and lack of participation in youth activities.
• Legal problems, such as arrest for driving or physically hurting someone while drunk.
• Physical problems, such as hangovers or illnesses.
• Unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual activity.
• Disruption of normal growth and sexual development.
• Physical and sexual assault.
• Higher risk for suicide and homicide.
• Alcohol-related car crash and other unintentional injuries such as burns, falls, and drowning.
• Memory problems.
• Abuse of other drugs.
• Changes in brain development that may have life-long effects.
• Death from alcohol poisoning.

(Source: Quick Stats. , Underage Drinking)

Legal Consequences in the State of Arizona for Underage Drinkers

DUI (age 18 to 21)
$1750 fine and fees, Probation up to 2 years

DUI (under 18)
$500 fine and fees, 2 years license suspension

Additional possible charges
1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, manslaughter, leaving the scene, reckless driving, negligent homicide, aggravated assault and endangerment.

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