American society has accepted the casual use of alcohol. Frequent use sends the message to children that alcohol use is permissible. Yet alcohol use by youths has many harmful effects. Alcohol provides only empty calories, or calories without nutritional value, which can be detrimental to a young, growing body. Innate coping skills decrease as the youth uses alcohol to escape problems.
Violence can increase as a youth's inhibitions and judgement are impaired.
Social skills deteriorate as alcohol abuse is substituted for friendship. Relationships worsen as increased alcohol use proceeds to addiction. Friends and family, while denying the problems, argue with the user. Unfortunately, their actions may unknowingly contribute to the youth's drinking problem. Young alcohol users may have decreased motivation to study, possibly diminishing their chances of attending college.