Kaylea Detweiler – 11
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic, relapsing medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite social, occupational, or health consequences. This is typically resultant in alcoholism, loss of self control, and even bigger steps into rehabs or medical institutes.
Among teens roughly 75% of 12th graders, 66% of 10th graders, and 40% of 8th graders have consumed alcohol in their lifetime. Teens have a bigger influence on alcohol intake, usually because that is what all their friends are doing, and it’s the new “thing.” 1 in 8 teens report abusing a hardcore drug, 86% of teens know someone who drinks, smokes, or abuses drugs during school. 50% of teens report misusing drugs at least one time. 62% of teens have abused alcohol by their senior year in high school.
Children who begin drinking before age 15 are 6.5 times more likely to become alcoholics than those who wait until age 21. Alcohol can demolish the structure and function of the developing brain, causing permanent damage, especially to memory and learning capabilities. This makes it hard to focus and have those quick light bulbs in mind. Underage drinkers are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, including fighting and academic failure. This leads to regret the next morning and horrible consequences. While historically higher in males, in recent years, some studies indicate that high school girls are now more likely to drink and binge drink than boys. Underage drinking causes dangers like alcohol poisoning, car crashes, and injuries, while spilling to long-term issues such as impaired brain development, alcohol addiction, and poor academic performance.
Moral of the story, underage drinking causes AUD effects the whole wide world, but our young society the most. We should stay aware and safe, and know iit isokay not to do something because our friends are.
For more information visit: https://safe2say.sd.gov/res_drugabuse.aspx#:~:text=1%20in%208%20teens%20report,senior%20year%20in%20high%20school.
