Drug use is extremely unpredictable and affects people differently. Anyone can become addicted to drugs. And motor vehicle crashes are a major cause of death in the United States for youth ages 13 through 19. Children who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism in adulthood than those children who do not begin consuming alcohol until the legal age of 21. Adolescent drinking is associated with risky sexual behaviours that can lead to AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies.
Alcohol contributes to academic failure and dropping out of school.
In addition, underage drinkers are more likely to become perpetrators or victims of rape, assault, robbery, murder and other violent crimes. Simple and straight answer to question why child or teenager starts using drugs or alcohol doesn't exist. Many times, it is a combination of several factors, including society, family and peers. They may turn to drugs to escape stress or loneliness or to overcome shyness in social situations. They may want to be seen as grown up or as a risk taker.