Massachusetts Underage Drinking

In 2004, a survey conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) showed that Massachusetts underage drinking ranks 9^th of the most unconstrained underage drinking in the country. The survey revealed that an estimated 34.51 % of all persons aged 12 to 20 in Massachusetts drink alcohol.[1]

The Massachusetts police department have been struggling in finding ways of dealing with underage drinking. Underaged drinking was as much of a problem years ago as it is now. In October 1997, the three consecutive alcohol-related deaths of an 18-year old freshman, a high school student and an college undergraduate alarmed local and national officials.[2] And just recently, 52 people were caught in possession of alcohol and marijuana—49 out of the 52 persons arrested were minors.[3] These shocking numbers can only tell us one thing, Massachusetts underage drinking is out of control and Massachusetts’ relatively light laws on underage drinking might be something that needs revision.

While all states do not allow possession of alcoholic beverages by those under 21 years of age, it is a Massachusetts underage drinking law to allow possession if in the company of a parent or a guardian.  This means that if you are a parent or a guardian, with careful thought, it is LEGAL for you TO BUY ALCOHOL for your child. Furthermore, there are no provisions that directly prohibit consumption and internal possession of alcohol by minors. [4] [5]

Fortunately, the people of Massachusetts are now responding to the rising numbers of minors who become intoxicated with alcohol. Residents of Foxborough, a town in Massachusetts, attempted to reinforce Massachusetts underage drinking laws by donating a $5000-grant to the local police department.[6] And in Westborough, a different campaign strategy was made. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence declared April as its alcohol-awareness month hoping to increase awareness on underage drinking.[7]

However, even with the states’ creative and strategic campaigns against underage drinking, it will still be a while before Massachusetts underage drinking is resolved. An immense amount of effort must be made not only by the Massachusetts state officials but a more important contribution must come from its citizens.