Facts About Alcohol for Kids

How Alcohol Effects You

• According to KidsHealth.org, alcohol acts as a depressant, meaning it slows the activity of the brain. The way alcohol interacts with the brain may cause the drinker to act confused and prevent her from seeing and thinking normally. People who drink can have mood swings, and their sense of balance may be thrown off due to alcohol consumption.

Alcohol and the Law

• In the United States, the minimum age to purchase alcohol is 21. This is also the minimum age to publicly possess an alcoholic beverage. According to the Underage Drinking Prevention Project, the only exceptions to this federal law are if you are in a private establishment, need alcohol for medical purposes, use it for religious reasons or possess it in the course of lawful employment. Beyond this, the laws can vary from state to state, so be sure to look up local restrictions.

Dangers of Drinking and Driving

• Consuming alcohol and getting behind the wheel is a deadly combination, especially for teenagers who are new to driving. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, teens are involved in 14 percent of motor vehicle deaths, even though they make up only 10 percent of the U.S. population. Due to their inexperience behind the wheel, they are more likely to make a dangerous mistake.

Alcohol and Your Education

• Drinking alcohol also encourages poor academic performance. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services points out that high school students who consume alcohol are more than five times more likely to drop out of school than students who do not use the substance.

Alcohol and Sexual Behavior

• Underage alcohol use may also give rise to dangerous sexual behaviors. Since drinking lowers inhibitions, young individuals may be more prone to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. This can lead to unplanned pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Alcohol Addiction

• Drinking at a young age can also lead to alcohol addiction, a chronic problem that's treated as a medical issue. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, up to 5.8 percent of young adults aged 12 to 17 sought treatment for a problem with alcohol use. According to the National Institutes of Health, those who begin drinking in their teens have a much higher chance of developing a life-long problem with alcohol use.

Establish a Dialogue

• If you have questions about alcohol and its effects, ask an adult or a loved one. If you are an adult who is concerned about your child and drinking, be sure to establish a dialogue. Talking to your child about alcohol will help them know the risks and avoid the perils of drinking when the first encounter alcoholic beverages.