Alcohol remains one of the most widely consumed substances in the world. Although it is okay for a mature adult to enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine responsibly, youngsters should refrain from drinking at all times. Here are some of the dangers of underage drinking.
Serious Car Accidents
Most teenagers are super-excited when they finally get their driver’s license. On the other hand, their parents are often filled with worry. According to a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry, nearly 80 percent of teens in the U.S. have experimented with alcohol. If the young driver gets behind the wheel with alcohol in their system, they will not be able to concentrate on the task at hand. A fatal car crash is a real possibility.
Health Problems
Despite their young age, underage drinkers can still experience major health problems. Some of the most common side effects that stem from alcohol use include headaches, dehydration, fatigue, and nausea. If the young person continues to abuse alcohol, even more severe health problems can develop. In fact, one night of binge drinking can lead to permanent brain damage.
Problems at School
From junior high students to college freshman, they can all be tempted to drink alcohol at some point. If they give in to their temptations, their grades will likely begin to suffer. Alcohol tends to make teenagers sluggish and tired, which means that they may decide to skip class altogether. An underage drinker could easily go from being an honor roll student to a borderline dropout.
Poor Judgment
Alcohol consumption tends to lower a person’s level of fear. For example, an individual may have a fear of heights. After having a few drinks, they may suddenly have the courage to stand on the edge of a balcony. Due to the teen’s diminished motor skills and lack of awareness, they may get seriously injured. Furthermore, their drunkenness could cause them to get in big trouble with the law. In the event that the teen is accused of a crime, they will need to call a criminal lawyer, like St. Louis, MO criminal attorney Richard Lozano.
Sexual Assault
Not only are young women at risk of being sexually assaulted, but teenage boys can also become victims of a sex crime. If the intoxicated teen is not careful, a lurking criminal may slip a date rape pill into their drink. Unfortunately, the emotional scars from the incident could last for a lifetime.
For good reason, you must be at least 21 years of age before you can purchase beer and liquor. If you are a teenager, make it a goal to refrain from drinking any alcohol.