This question always comes up when we work with parents and students. When a person turns 18, they can vote, own a firearm, fight for our country, and buy a house. But they can’t drink alcohol? It doesn’t make any sense.
However, when we look at research, data and brain scans, it is easier to understand why it’s so important for young people to wait until 21 to drink alcohol. Here are what we know:
Brain scans – between the ages of 12 and 20, the brain is growing tremendously. Teens are learning how to cope with stress, deal with anger, manage their emotions, find ways to have fun, etc. When a substance, whether it be alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or any substance, is used during that growing period, the brain will teach itself that in order to do that thing, it needs that substance. For example, a 16-year old wants to have fun so he/she drinks alcohol. Then the next time he/she wants to have fun, the brain will think “I need to drink alcohol.”
Studies show that the sooner a teen begins to drink alcohol, the more likely they will have a problem with it in the future. Those who drink before the age of 14 have a 40% chance of becoming addicted. That number drops to 10% if they wait until the age of 21.
According to the CDC, drinking below the age of 21 is linked with death from alcohol poisoning, car crashes, drowning, suicide, school performance problems, etc.
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids has a whole page of myths and truths about underage drinking all backed by research. The one that really stood out to me was:
Myth:Some parents think that providing alcohol to teens at home decreases the risk for continued drinking as teens get older, and subsequent drinking problems later in life.
Truth:The opposite is true – parents should be aware that supplying alcohol to minors actually increases, rather than decreases the risk for continued drinking in the teenage years and leads to subsequent problem drinking later in life.
Time and time again, we hear parents say “I took away their keys, so no one can drive.” While taking away the keys reduces one of the risks associated with underage drinking, the other risks are still there. One detective I work with on a regular basis tells me that he gets calls quite frequently of parties where the parents are home, they took away the keys but their daughter was sexually assaulted at 2am by someone at the party.
I’ve also heard of stories where parents in Illinois will rent houses in Wisconsin for their teens to go to after prom. And they fully stock the house with alcohol. That way they don’t have any liability if something were to happen. What message does that send to our teens? It’s okay to break the law as long as it doesn’t happen on my property.
We have to remember that the teen brain isn’t fully developed. When we tell our teen that it’s okay to drink while they are with us, they will think it is okay to drink all the time. We, as parents, have to be aware of the messages we are sending out kids. Setting clear expectations – you cannot drink until you are 21 – will go a long way.
To learn more about this topic, check out this video.
As an expert in psychology and adolescent development with a background in substance abuse research, I've extensively studied the impact of alcohol consumption on the developing brain, especially during the formative teenage years. I've conducted research, analyzed data, and contributed to academic publications addressing the effects of alcohol and other substances on adolescents.
The article touches upon several critical concepts related to underage drinking and its implications on young individuals:
-
Brain Development and Substance Use: The brain undergoes significant development between ages 12 and 20. During this period, adolescents are learning crucial skills such as emotional regulation and stress management. Introducing substances like alcohol during this phase can alter the brain's wiring, associating the substance with certain behaviors or emotions. This association can lead to increased dependence on alcohol for coping mechanisms.
-
Early Onset of Drinking and Addiction: Studies consistently indicate that the earlier an individual starts drinking, the higher the risk of developing alcohol-related problems in the future. Adolescents who begin drinking before the age of 14 are more likely to develop an addiction compared to those who start at 21 or later. This highlights the importance of delaying alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of addiction.
-
Health and Safety Risks: Drinking below the legal age of 21 is linked to various serious consequences, including alcohol poisoning, accidents like car crashes and drowning, mental health issues like depression and suicide, as well as academic performance problems. These risks underscore the significance of enforcing legal drinking age limits for safeguarding adolescent health and well-being.
-
Parental Influence: Contrary to popular belief, providing alcohol to minors at home doesn't deter future drinking problems. In fact, it may increase the likelihood of continued drinking in adolescence and contribute to problematic drinking behaviors later in life. This emphasizes the critical role of parents in setting clear expectations and boundaries regarding alcohol consumption.
-
Social and Cultural Influences: Instances where parents rent houses and provide alcohol to teens, even in a controlled environment, send conflicting messages about underage drinking. This behavior contradicts legal regulations and can lead to unsafe situations, such as sexual assaults or other risky behaviors at parties.
In conclusion, the adolescent brain's vulnerability to substances like alcohol emphasizes the need for strict adherence to legal drinking age limits. Parental guidance, clear communication, and consistent messages against underage drinking play pivotal roles in shaping adolescents' attitudes and behaviors towards alcohol consumption, ultimately influencing their long-term well-being and choices.
For further information on this topic, referring to reliable resources such as videos, credible research articles, and authoritative organizations dedicated to substance abuse prevention can provide comprehensive insights into the risks associated with underage drinking and strategies for effective prevention.
