Teenage binge drinking in the US has been reported to vary from 11 to 14 percent by various national surveys. The legal drinking age in the US is 21 years, and underage drinking is a major reason for physical, psychological, and social problems in the youth (1). This post highlights the risks of binge drinking among teenagers and discusses ways to help prevent it.
What Is Binge Drinking?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a situation where blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches at least 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters of blood within two hours of consuming alcohol (2). It means consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women. However, recent research shows children may reach BAC limits after fewer drinks than adults. For boys aged:
9 to13 years: About 3 drinks 14 to15 years: About 4 drinks 16 to 17years: About 5 drinks
For girls aged:
9 to 17 years: About 3 drinks
Why Do Teens Binge Drink?
The transition from childhood to adolescence involves physical and emotional changes. Increasing independence may itself contribute to irrational drinking. Other reasons may include the following (3) (4).
The impulsive, thrill-seeking behavior of the developing teen brains may be attracted to experimenting with alcohol and excessive drinking.
Adolescents generally see drinking as a pleasurable experience and are more likely to drink in excess.
A teen’s brain appears to be particularly sensitive to the positive effects of drinking, such as feeling more at ease in social situations than the adverse effects such as drowsiness, lack of coordination, and hangover (felt more by adults).
Risk of binge drinking is high in youth who are aggressive, hyperactive,depressed, withdrawn, or anxious.
In their attempt to be accepted by their peers, adolescents often end up in social events, concerts, or parties where they are exposed to alcohol. School and college students often get introduced to alcoholic beverages by seniors. If drinking is a typical activity for the peer groups, they are much more likely to binge drink.
Children with several family members who are alcoholics are also at greater risk of alcohol-related problems, such as binge drinking.
Various media or advertising influences may unintentionally project binge drinking as “cool” or fun.
What Are The Risks Of Binge Drinking In Teens?
Binge drinking may have several negative consequences to the physical, psychological, and social well-being of teens. The short-term and long-term effects of alcohol may include the following.
1. Effect on brain development
The adolescent brain is not fully mature, and binge drinking may affect its development. Studies have identified faulty growth of gray and white matters of the brain structure. Teenage brain responses controlling verbal learning, working memory, and risk-taking may also be affected. Binge drinking has also been linked to risky behavior or decision-making and reward response that persists in adulthood. Teens who binge drink are at greater risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD/ alcoholism/alcohol dependence) later in life (5).
2. Risk of accidents
Binge alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of injuries such as falls, burns, and drownings. The reason is that alcohol diminishes the mind’s senses, responses, and decision-making abilities. Underage drinking is responsible for the deaths of about 5000 people below 21 years of age each year in the US (6). A state of intoxication also makes teens more likely to indulge in unprotected sexual activities. This can result in an increased risk of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
3. Alcohol poisoning
Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time may cause alcohol poisoning. Excessive alcohol can progressively shut down brain areas that control breathing, heart rate, and body temperature, causing permanent brain damage or even death. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include (7):
Mental confusion Slow or irregular breathing Decreased heart rate Losing conscious Seizure Dulled responses, such as no gag reflex that increases the risk of choking Clammy skin Extremely low body temperature
4. Other substance abuse
Young people are more likely to use substances, such as tobacco, marijuana, and other illicit drugs, when under the influence of alcohol (4).
What Can Be The Other Consequences Of Binge Drinking In Teens?
Teens who binge drink may experience various problems that affect their day-to-day life and development (1). These problems may often be signs of underage drinking.
Headache, nausea, vomiting, shakiness, and hangover Weak memory Higher absence rates and low grades at school Lack of participation in sports or other productive youth activities Legal issues such as arrest for driving or hurting others when drunk Increased likelihood to engage in physical violence and sexual assault Disrupted normal growth and sexual development
How To Prevent Teenage Binge Drinking?
Parents and teachers can go a long way in reducing the risk factors that lead to binge drinking in teenagers (8) (9). Teenage binge drinking is a problem whose effects ripple through adulthood. Parents, caregivers, and teachers should identify the warning signs of underage drinking. Adolescent binge drinking is preventable with proper communication with youngsters, awareness, and, if required, medical assistance from a counselor, psychologist, or other trained professional (3).
Monitor their breathing and don’t let them fall asleep drunk Give water to keep them hydrated and have them sober up If you notice any strange behavior such as not breathing or being zoned out, call an ambulance Once they’ve sobered up, talk to them and know if something is wrong in their life.
Alcohol poisoning Accidents while walking or driving Verbal and physical abuse Nausea and vomiting Unprotected sexual intercourse
