Myth

FACT

Alcohol isn’t as harmful as 

other drugs.

Alcohol increases your risk for 

many deadly diseases, such 

as cancer. Drinking too much alcohol too 

quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which 

can kill you. 

Myth Drinking is a good way to 

loosen up at parties.

FACT Drinking is a dumb way to loosen 

up. It can make you act silly, say 

things you shouldn’t say, and do things you 

wouldn’t normally do (like get into fights or 

have sex).

Myth Drinking alcohol will make 

me cool.

FACT There’s nothing cool about 

stumbling around, passing out, 

or puking on yourself. Drinking alcohol also 

can cause bad breath and weight gain.

Myth All of the other kids drink 

alcohol. I need to drink to fit in.

FACT If you really want to fit in, 

stay sober. Most young people 

don’t drink alcohol. Research shows that 

more than 70 percent of youth aged 12 to 

20 haven’t had a drink in the past month.1

Myth I can sober up quickly by taking 

a cold shower or drinking coffee.

FACT On average, it takes 2 to 3 

hours for a single drink to 

leave the body. Nothing can speed up the 

process, including drinking coffee, taking a 

cold shower, or “walking it off.”

Myth Adults drink, so kids should 

be able to drink too.

FACT A young person’s brain and 

body are still growing. Drinking 

alcohol can cause learning problems or 

lead to adult alcoholism. People who begin 

drinking by age 15 are five times more 

likely to abuse or become dependent on 

alcohol than those who begin drinking 

after age 20.2 

Myth Beer and wine are safer 

than liquor.

FACT Alcohol is alcohol...it can cause 

you problems no matter how 

you consume it. One 12-ounce bottle of 

beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine (about a 

half-cup) has as much alcohol as a 1.5-

ounce shot of liquor. Alcopops—sweet 

drinks laced with malt liquor—often 

contain more alcohol than beer!

Myth I can drink alcohol and not have 

any problems.

FACT If you’re under 21, drinking 

alcohol is a big problem: It’s 

illegal. If caught, you may have to pay a 

fine, perform community service, or take 

alcohol awareness classes. Kids who drink 

also are more likely to get poor grades in 

school, and are at higher risk for being a 

crime victim.

1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 

Administration (SAMHSA) (2007). 2006 National 

Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

2 SAMHSA. (2004). The NSDUH Report: Alcohol 

Dependence or Abuse and Age at First Use.
Do you think you or 

a friend has an 

alcohol problem?

Don’t wait—get help. Talk to a 

parent, doctor, teacher, or anyone 

you trust. For information and 

referrals, contact SAMHSA’s 

Health Information Network at 

877-SAMHSA-7 (877-726-4727) 

(TDD 800-487-4889; linea gratis en 

español 877-767-8432).

Also, check out the “Youth” sections 

of the Federal portal of underage 

drinking prevention resources 

at www.stopalcoholabuse.gov and 

the Too Smart to Start site at 

http://toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov.

Underage

Drinking

Myths vs. Facts

You probably see 

and hear a lot 

about alcohol—

from TV, movies, 

music, and your 

friends. But what 

are the real facts 

about underage 

alcohol use? Inside 

are some common 

myths—and 

sobering facts—

about alcohol use: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention

SMA-4299 www.samhsa.gov