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The Problem?
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, apart from being illegal, underage drinking poses a high risk to both the individual and society. For example, the rate of alcohol–related traffic crashes is greater for drivers ages 16 to 20 than for drivers age 21 and older. Adolescents also are vulnerable to alcohol–induced brain damage, which could contribute to poor performance at school or work. In addition, youthful drinking is associated with an increased likelihood of developing alcohol abuse or dependence later in life.
Injury and Social Consequences
Drinking and Driving Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among youth ages 15 to 20. Adolescents already are at increased risk through their relative lack of driving experience, and drivers younger than 21 are more susceptible than older drivers to the alcohol–induced impairment of driving skills. The rate of fatal crashes among alcohol–involved drivers between 16 and 20 years old is more than twice the rate for alcohol–involved drivers 21 and older.
Suicide Alcohol use interacts with conditions such as depression and stress to contribute to suicide, the third leading cause of death among people between the ages of 14 and 25. In one study, 37 percent of eighth grade females who drank heavily reported attempting suicide, compared with 11 percent who did not drink.
Sexual Assault Sexual assault, including rape, occurs most commonly among women in late adolescence and early adulthood, usually within the context of a date. In one survey, approximately 10 percent of female high school students reported having been raped. Research suggests that alcohol use by the offender, the victim, or both, increases the likelihood of sexual assault by a male acquaintance.
High–Risk Sex Research has associated adolescent alcohol use with high–risk sex (for example, having multiple sexual partners and failing to use condoms). The consequences of high–risk sex also are common in this age group, particularly unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. According to a recent study, the link between high–risk sex and drinking is affected by the quantity of alcohol consumed. The probability of sexual intercourse is increased by drinking amounts of alcohol sufficient to impair judgment, but decreased by drinking heavier amounts that result in feelings of nausea, passing out, or mental confusion.
The Solution
To prevent underage drinking in our communities, we must focus our efforts on the use of environmental prevention strategies. These strategies include media campaigns, policy change, and enhanced enforcement.
If you would like to get involved in the solution please sign up for the Union County Coalition’s Email List. Members receive updates from throughout Union County on topics related to alcohol and substance abuse in Union County.
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Union County Compliance Check Task Force
The Union County Compliance Check Task Force is a collaborative effort between law enforcement and prevention to focus on limiting alcohol access to underage youth. This group works alongside New Jersey Alcohol Beverage Control to stop alcohol outlets from selling to minors. An essential component is the collection of information from the community. If you know of an outlet known to selling to underage youth please contact Michael Capko @ 732-381-4100 or email mcapko@prevention Links.org
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