Teenage Alcoholism: How Costly It is To Allow An Underage To Drink Alcohol

Alcohol is among the most abused substance by the youth in the U.S. today according to CDC. Young people normally take their first taste at home and if they are not well educated of its adverse effects, then they may end up being drunkards in the future.

The sad thing about the abuse of alcohol in the U.S. is not just limited to broken relationships and family but also the physical accidents that happen especially when they already know how to drive. Reports suggest that too much drinking is the root for more than 4,300 deaths among underage youth each year and around $24 billion in economic costs in 2010.

The problem with alcohol extends from school problems to higher risk of suicide to unprotected sex to legal problems out of violence. Studies show that those who start drinking alcohol before age 15 years are six times more likely to become liquior dependent later in life compared to the ones who began drinking after they turn 21 years old.

The desire to prevent the bad outcome of drinking alcohol is to start in every home. Parents should be good examples and should educate each child about the possible outcome if they engage in alcohol drinking. Some kids who have decent and kind parents still have the possibility to rebel though. This is where the community should start getting involved as well. Every community should also be sympathetic with one another. There mentality to "mind-your-own-business" should not get in the way.

An African proverb says that "it takes one whole community to raise a child". Therefore it is not just the home setting that should mold how a child is raised. The whole community has the responsibility for the kids as well. It is high time to raise up more responsible and decent kids before it is too late.