Underage drinking more prominent than many think Published Feb. 22, 2008 Hurlburt Field ADAPT HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Underage drinking is a major public health problem. Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs. In March 2007, the acting U.S. surgeon general issued a call to action to prevent and reduce underage drinking. This call to action set forth six goals and suggested a more comprehensive and developmentally sensitive approach to understanding, preventing and reducing underage drinking. The following statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration' Office of Applied Studies paint a clearer picture of just how big a problem underage drinking is in the U.S. - Almost 20 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States is consumed by people between the ages of 12 and 20 - More than 90 percent of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinking - On average, underage drinkers consume more drinks per drinking occasion than adult drinkers - In 2004, there were more than 142,000 emergency rooms visits by 12 to 20 year olds for injuries and other conditions linked to alcohol - In 2005, 16 percent of drivers 16 to 20 years old who died in motor vehicle crashes had consumed alcohol Serious consequences can result from underage drinking. According to the CDC, youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience: - School problems such as higher absence and poor or failing grades - Social problems such as fighting and lack of participation in youth activities - Legal problems such as arrest for driving or physically hurting someone while drunk - Physical problems such as hangovers or illnesses - Unwanted, unplanned and unprotected sexual activity - Disruption of normal growth and sexual development - Physical and sexual assault - Higher risk for suicide and homicide - Alcohol-related car crash and other unintentional injuries such as burns, falls and drownings - Memory problems - Abuse of other drugs - Changes in brain development that may have life-long effects - Death from alcohol poisoning Also, people who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse later in life than those who begin drinking after they turn 21. The Hurlburt Field Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program provides a wide range of prevention, education, outreach, evaluation and treatment services to active duty members. The ADAPT Program is located on the second floor of the Hurlburt Main Clinic, and its staff can be reached at 881-4237. Family members of active duty should contact TriCare-partner Value Options at 1-800-700-8646 for information or assistance in obtaining substance abuse evaluation and treatment services.