Recent studies suggest that a baby born today will be exposed to more than 100,000 beer commercials by the time he or she reaches age 21. However, the best single indicator of the teenage drinking level in a community can be found in the adult drinking customs in families. Teens often look to parents, older siblings, other relatives, adult family friends, and other role models for patterns after which they can model their own drinking habits. In the summer, the more lax attitudes toward alcohol tell teens that it is all right to drink more than usual when the days get hot. Alcohol is more prevalent than any other drug.
Chemical dependency is an illness that affects all ages, including teens.
Many teens never cross the line from chemical abuse to chemical addiction. The younger a person starts using, the more likely they are to develop abuse and dependency problems. Chemical dependency is as process. People start using to have fun, out of boredom, curiosity, to feel good, etc. Over time they can develop problems.