4-14-09

Teens and Alcohol

Underage drinking is a serious problem in the U.S.  It can be a threat to a teen’s health and development.

Although the legal drinking age in most states is age 21, many young people start drinking several years before, according to the U.S. surgeon general.  The consequences of underage drinking can be serious says Ron Kanwischer, assistant professor of psychiatry and substance abuse counselor at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.  He explains the beginning drinking age for many teens.

SOUND BITE:  “It varies, but starting at about age 12 is when we start to get a little worried about it.  Eighth graders – one in six are drinkers.  By the time you are in your sophomore year, it is about one-third of all kids and by the time you’re a senior, more than half are drinkers.”

Kanwischer says earlier drinking can cause alcohol problems later in life.  Of those adults who started drinking before age 15, about 40 percent have signs of alcohol dependency.   He also explains that young people drink differently than adults.

SOUND BITE:  “They drink less frequently, but when they drink, they drink more.  And their younger brains are not really designed to handle that. What we think literally happens is that their exposure at a younger age actually changes the brain and may cause the brain to favor intoxicants in the future.  So making them more vulnerable to having alcohol and even other drug problems is what we’re concerned about.”

Kanswischer encourages families to have open conversations about drinking and the medical and legal consequences of it.  If someone has a drinking problem and is dependent on alcohol, they should talk to their family physician or a substance abuse counselor.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.