Underage Drinking Risks include*:
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Death –
4,358 people under age 21 die each year from alcohol-related car crashes, homicides, suicides, alcohol poisoning, and other injuries such as falls, burns, and drowning.
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Serious
injuries – More than 190,000 people under age 21 visited an emergency room for alcohol-related injuries in 2008 alone.
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Impaired
judgment – Drinking can cause kids to make poor decisions, which can then result in risky behavior like drinking and driving, sexual activity, or violence.
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Increased risk
for physical and sexual assault – Youth who drink are more likely to carry out or be the victim of a physical or sexual assault.
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Brain
development problems – Research shows that brain development continues well into a person’s twenties. Alcohol can affect this development, and contribute to a range of
problems.
The 3 leading causes of death for 15 to 24 year olds are automobile crashes, homicides, and suicides. Alcohol is a leading factor in all 3.**
17% of fatal alcohol-related crashes each year are attributed to drivers under the age of 21.