Many companies offer free materials, provide classes and maintain a list of speakers who will work with students and adults about drinking and drug related issues. The younger someone starts drinking, and the greater the intensity and frequency of consumption, the greater the risk of using other drugs. Research shows that the longer a child's use of alcohol can be delayed, the likelihood of his becoming a problem drinker or even a drunk driver is significantly decreased. Almost half of the children who begin drinking at age 13 will have a dependency problem or become alcoholics. Only 10 percent of those who wait until age 21 to drink will have an alcohol dependency problem.
Alcohol is the most frequently used substance by young people.
They say drinking, using illegal drugs and using tobacco use make them feel grown up, help them relax, or help them rebel. It is illegal in all 50 states to drink under the age of 21. The single leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds is drinking and driving. For driving under the influence, each state has different laws. In some areas a teenager's license is taken away for up to one year upon conviction.