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Underage Drinking

While underage drinking, or drinking among people under age 21, is common in the United States, it can have harmful outcomes. In addition to the immediate health effects​ of drinking alcohol, youth who drink alcohol may experience effects on growth and brain development. Youth who drink alcohol are also more likely to experience:​​​

​Academic, Legal, and Social Issues

• ​school absences
  
• lower grades
• disciplinary issues
• drinking and driving
• impaired judgement
• misusing other drugs (there is an increased risk of serious health effects when mixing alcohol with other drugs)

Health Conditions and Other Risks

• ​depression and anxiety disorders
  
• violence
• homicide
• suicide
• sexual violence
• injuries
• burns
• falls 
• drownings
• sexually transmitted infections
• ​unplanned pregnancy
  

​The risk of experiencing these problems is greater for youth who binge drink (4 or more drinks on an occasion for females & 5 or more drinks for males) when compared to youth who do not binge drink.​

Resources for parents, guardians, or caregivers:

• Preventing Underage Drinking: A Guide for Parents and Guardians (PDF)

• Parent & Caregiver Re​sources | SAMHSA

• “Talk. They Hear You.”® Campaign | SAMHSA
  

Need Help?

• If you or someone you know needs help with their alcohol use, call SAMHSA's confidential, free, 24/7 National Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

• Call or text 988 if you are experiencing suicidal, substance use, or other mental health crises. A trained crisis counselor is available to help you 24/7 for free. You can also visit 988lifeline.org.