Alcohol–the most widely used drug among youth–causes serious and potentially life-threatening problems for this population. Research indicates that drinking is associated with risk-taking and sensation-seeking behavior among adolescents. Alcohol decreases inhibitions that may increase the likelihood of unsafe activities. People who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until age 21. Each additional year of delayed drinking onset reduces the probability of alcohol dependence by 14 percent. Adolescents who use alcohol are more likely to become sexually active at an earlier age, to have sex more often, and to engage in unprotected sex, which places them at greater risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. High school students who use alcohol or other substances are five times more likely than other students to drop out of school or to believe that earning good grades is not important. It is these and other damaging effects and risks of alcohol use that has lead to the development of this learning module. Please take the time to discover more information about alcohol use, prevention, and getting help for youth.
