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Myths About Kids & Drinking
Young people
drink to have a good time.
A recent national survey of junior and senior high school students tells a much
different story. More than 30% of teenagers drink alone; boredom and emotional
distress are among the reasons why they say they drink.
Alcohol is less dangerous than other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine or
LSD.
Car crashes, suicides, homicides and drowning are all associated with alcohol
use and make it the number-one drug problem for young people. In fact, the most
likely cause of death for a 16-year old is alcohol-related.
If I let my child drink at home, he or she will be less likely to get into
trouble with alcohol outside the home.
Research shows teenagers whose parents allow them to drink at home are more
likely to drink outside the home and to use other drugs. They also have a much
greater chance of developing a serious problem.
So long as my child doesn't drive, it's okay for him or her to drink.
Teens don't drink the same way adults do. Many teens engage in "binge drinking"
and down their drinks quickly so that they will get drunk. When they are drunk
they are more likely to drink and drive, or to ride with another teen who has
been drinking.
From
the
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
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