Intervention Principles and Practice Guidelines for - Underage ...

• Research shows that the use of alcohol during adolescence may have a long-term detrimental
effect on the developing human brain (Brown et al., 2000).
• Drinking contributes to problems in key behavioral domains of children and adolescents, such as
peer relationships and school performance. For example, underage drinking can interfere with
school attendance, disrupt concentration, damage relationships, and potentially alter aspects
of development, which have consequences for future success in such areas as work, adult
relationships, health, and well-being (Masten et al. 2005). 1
Health and Safety Consequences of Underage Drinking
Alcohol is the mood-altering substance most frequently used by young people in the United States.
The immediate results of alcohol consumption often include impaired decision-making, engaging in
risky behavior, and poor coordination. Sustained use can damage the brain and other organs and body
systems.
Driving While Impaired
Adolescents and young adults are usually the least experienced drivers on our roads. Consumption
of alcohol, which impairs their judgment and coordination and makes them more likely to take risks,
creates conditions under which tragedies can occur. In 2005, according to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (n.d.), 7,460 people between ages 15 and 20 were killed in motor vehicle
crashes—the number one cause of death in this age group—and 28% of those killed (2,089 individuals)
had been drinking. Many more youth experience injuries, including those resulting in lifetime
disabilities. Young drivers are also less likely to use seat belts when they have been drinking. Of those
killed in motor vehicle crashes that had been drinking, 74% were not wearing seat belts. Young people
are likely to exercise poor judgment by riding in vehicles driven by peers who have been drinking, thus
increasing their risk of injury or death. In 2001, 80% of frequent heavy drinkers reported they had
ridden with a driver who had been drinking (Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2001). Dramatic progress
has been made in reducing the numbers of youth-involved, alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes and
fatalities. Injuries and loss of lives, however, are still unacceptably high.
Other Accidental Injuries and Deaths
While accidental injuries and deaths resulting from underage drinking involving motor
vehicles are often the most highlighted, alcohol-related injuries and deaths of youth and young adults
from other types of accidents are also all too common. In 2000, 6,936 people under age 21 died
from alcohol-related accidents, including drowning, burns, and falls. This represented 44% of all
unintentional injury deaths linked to alcohol among those under age 21 (see Hingson & Kenkel, 2004).
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More detailed information about the physical and mental development of adolescents and the potential consequences of underage
drinking on development can be found in Appendix B.
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