Underage Binge Drinking

In 2000, almost one in five underage persons, those between the ages of 12 to 20 was a binge drinker – NHSDA Report, 2002[1]

The problems of underage drinking have been something that society has battled with over the years. However, recent studies on drinking behaviours of minors have revealed that when teenagers drink, they “binge” drink.[2] Underage binge drinking is when minors consume excessive amounts of alcohol in a single occasion. This results in severe intoxication, which is a potentially lethal pattern of alcohol consumption.[3] This means that the problems normally associated with underage drinking may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can impair a child’s normal physiological functions and has serious effects on a child’s brain development. [4] Binge drinking can magnify these effects exponentially and lead to several alarming effects to a child’s body. Based on a factsheet released by the Institute of Alcohol Studies in 2007[5], the following are among the effects of binge drinking to minors.

1. Brain Damage. Alcohol, in large amounts, is very toxic to the brain. Studies show that a child’s developing brain is particularly vulnerable to such effects.
2. Alcohol Poisoning. Teenagers’ high tendency to binge drink puts them at risk of alcohol poisoning. High alcohol consumption can lead to life-threatening consequences such as seizures, respiratory and cardiovascular failure, among others.
3. Sensitivity and Tolerance. Studies show that it takes a lot more alcohol before minors are able to detect feelings of intoxication such as dizziness, slurring of speech, or the inability to gag, etc. What is more, teenagers also need to consume more alcohol in order to perceive the positive effects of alcohol compared to adults. That is why there is a higher tendency for teenagers to consume more than tolerable amounts of alcohol.[6]
4. Long term Effects. A study in UK found a high association between underage binge drinking and the risk of health, educational, economic and social adversity continuing in adult life. Problems associated with binge drinking among minors include an increased risk of dependence on alcohol, drug addiction, poor performance in school, increased criminal activity, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status.

The immediate and long-term effects of underage binge drinking deserve special attention by the national authorities and communities alike. In order for us to secure a place for our youth in the future, a combined effort must be undertaken by continually imposing laws against underage drinking and in promoting awareness to people who actually care about these “lost” children amongst us.