What are some of the dangers of underage drinking and binge drinking?
A. There are a wide range of consequences associated with underage drinking, such as accidents, injuries, and unwanted and unintended sexual activities and assaults. For example, we know that annually, about 5,000 people under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries involving underage drinking; 38 percent of the 5,000 deaths involve motor vehicle crashes, about 32 percent result from homicides, and 6 percent result from suicides. Drinking, particularly heavy drinking, increases the risk of physical and sexual assault, and plays a significant role in risky sexual behavior. In addition, data from NIAAA’s 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions showed that early alcohol use, independent of other risk factors, may contribute to the risk of developing future alcohol problems. Q: What other adverse effects can alcohol use and binge drinking have on young people? A: Involvement with alcohol can alter academic and vocational trajectories. It also has the pote
