Underage Substance Use Education + Prevention
In 2021, almost 2 in 10 middle school students has tried alcohol in the past year. 15 Teens who start drinking underage are 7 times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash. 16 Adolescent drinkers perform worse in school, are more likely to fall behind and have an increased risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, and violence. 17 1 in 3 youth who drink alcohol have also combined it with marijuana. We know that the dangers become even greater when cannabis is combined with alcohol. 18 It’s illegal to drink under the age of 21, and depending on where you live, cannabis might be legal for adults recreationally, but it’s never legal for those under 21. No matter what, it is illegal and dangerous for anyone to drive impaired. The CDC reports that 85 percent of teens who drink and drive also binge drink. This indicates a risk to mental health; over 37 percent of those who abuse alcohol also suffer from a mental health disorder. 19
17. American Medical Association (AMA) (2002). Fact Sheet from an AMA Report on Alcohol’s Adverse Effects on the Brains of Children, Adolescents and College Students 18. MADD’s Power of You(th) Power To Take A Stand Handbook 19. CDC Vital Signs: Teen Drinking and Driving - A Dangerous Mix, October 2012
15. Johnston, L. D., Miech, R. A., O’Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., Schulenberg, J. E., & Patrick, M. E. (2022). Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use 1975 - 2021: Overview, key findings on adolescent drug use. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan 16. Hingson, Ralph, etal. “Age of Drinking Onset, Driving After Drinking, and Involvement in Alcohol - Related Motor Vehicle Crashes.” DOT HS 809 188. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, January 2001
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving ®
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