Over 60 percent of high school seniors drink at least once a week. Alcohol is the most common drug used by teenagers. Alcohol has special risks for this age group. Some teenagers may develop serious drinking problems, even alcoholism. Studies indicate that about half of the children of alcoholic parents will become alcoholic themselves.
Teenagers drink for many reasons.
Some grow up seeing their parents or other adults drinking. They also see television or magazine ads that make alcohol attractive. Often these ads have a sports celebrity enjoying some type of alcohol. There is often pressure from friends or classmates to drink. A teenager may drink to fit in with friends, or to appear more popular, confident or mature.