Why Do Teens Drink Alcohol?

Every community has at least one tragic story of young lives deeply impacted by underage drinking. So, it’s natural for concerned adults to want to protect the teens they care about and prevent them from misusing alcohol. To do that, they first need to understand the prevalence and causes of teenage drinking. Then they can explain the associated risks and guide young people to make healthier choices. Let’s examine the facts.

Is Underage Drinking Common?

Yes, but not as common as it was in the past. In our 2023 State of Underage Drinking in North Carolina survey, the majority of middle and high school students we spoke to reported knowing people their age who have tried alcohol, and two in five students admitted to drinking alcohol themselves.

Those numbers are too high, but the good news is that the prevalence of underage drinking has been steadily declining. According to the 2023 Monitoring the Future survey, alcohol use is near record low levels for teens in the United States. Our job is to maintain that downward trend!

Understanding Motivation: Why Do Teens Drink Alcohol?

So, if underage drinking isn’t as popular as it once was, why do teens drink alcohol at all? There isn’t a simple answer to that question; instead, a combination of factors may come into play:

1. Negative Peer Pressure: Teenagers want to be accepted by their friends. If their friends are experimenting with alcohol, they may feel pressure to do the same so they won’t be left out of social activities. Even teens who know the risks of underage drinking may still choose to consume alcohol to “fit in” with their peers.

2. Curiosity: Teens are naturally curious about new experiences, especially those they perceive as adult privileges. Social media and entertainment often portray drinking as fun, sexy, and sophisticated. Some teens are eager to see if these portrayals are accurate; others are simply curious to know what it feels like to be intoxicated.

3. Stress: Between academic pressure, family obligations, and social expectations, many teens feel overwhelmed. Sadly, some of them turn to alcohol as a means of coping with stress, anxiety, or depression. They mistakenly believe that alcohol will help them escape or better handle their problems.

4. Family Influence: Teens who grow up in a family that has a casual, permissive attitude toward alcohol use with one or more excessive drinkers may be more likely to experiment with alcohol themselves. On the other hand, when adult family members consume alcohol responsibly and discourage underage drinking, teens are more likely to abstain.

Why Should Teens Avoid Underage Drinking?

Understanding the causes of teenage drinking is only part of the equation. Parents must also be aware of the dangers involved. Here are some potential risks:

• Health Issues: Underage drinking can have both immediate and long-term negative effects. The adolescent brain is still developing, and alcohol interferes with this process, potentially altering brain function and development. Additionally, underage drinking may contribute to depression or anxiety and is a substance abuse risk factor.
• Academic Problems: As mentioned above, alcohol affects the developing brain, and this can lead to memory lapses and difficulty concentrating. Students who use alcohol are also more likely to skip classes, fall behind in their schoolwork, and have lower grades.
• Impaired Judgment: Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, which can cause teens to make terrible decisions. They may drive while intoxicated, get into fights, attempt stupid stunts, or engage in other unsafe behaviors.
• Legal Trouble: The legal drinking age is 21. North Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy, and a teen caught intoxicated or in possession of alcohol will face serious legal consequences, including fines, community service, suspended driver’s license, and more.

How Can Adults Prevent Underage Drinking?

Whether you’re a parent, educator, coach, or mentor, there are some steps you can take to help teens make the healthy decision to avoid underage drinking:

• Start Communicating Early: Talk with tweens and teens about alcohol before they begin experimenting with it. Discuss the risks and consequences in a calm way, and let them know they can come to you with questions or concerns about alcohol, peer pressure, or any other issue.
• Set Clear Expectations: Establish rules and make sure teens understand your expectations. Explain the reasons behind these boundaries and the importance of making responsible choices.
• Be a Role Model: Teens are more observant than you might imagine, and they often mimic the behaviors of adults in their lives. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly, and never drink and drive.
• Encourage Healthy Activities: When teens are involved in extracurricular activities they enjoy, they’re less likely to try alcohol for fun or stress relief. Encourage them to get involved with hobbies, sports, or clubs that provide a positive outlet for their energy and creativity.
• Stay Involved: Teens face a lot of pressure, and your support can help them navigate it. Listen when they need to talk, encourage them to develop healthy coping skills, and help them find professional help, if necessary.

Understanding why teens drink alcohol allows adults to create a more supportive environment while emphasizing the importance of preventing underage drinking. If you’re looking for more ways to help stop underage drinking, visit the Talk it Out NC website. We have resources, tools, and suggestions to help you Start the Conversation today and guide teens toward healthy and fulfilling lives.