Of all age groups, only the 15-24 year olds have an increasing death rate because of car crashes, suicides, and homicides, most of which are drug or alcohol related, and all of, which are preventable and unnatural causes of death. Alcoholism in teens can develop very rapidly. It can develop within a matter of months of taking that first drink. The younger a person is when he or she starts drinking the greater their chances of becoming an alcoholic or experiencing alcohol abuse during their life. Teenagers are still developing physically.
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth.
The brain, nervous system, reproductive system, and liver are still maturing. The body and muscle mass is incomplete and much more sensitive to alcohol as well as the chemicals in drugs. Teenagers are still developing emotionally. A young person is forming a sense of personal identity and is learning basic social skills. Problem drinkers cease growing up-mentally, emotionally, and socially.