More alarming than the severity of underage drinking in America is the underage drinking effects on the children. The effect of alcohol on the body is essentially the same for every individual. However, because a child’s body is not fully mature, the effect of drinking is more potent and more destructive to a child than to an adult.
Much of the problems associated with alcohol are brought about by intoxication. And adolescents are more prone to intoxication than adults because they have little control over their urges. Studies have established that when children drink, they are more likely to drink a lot, most of the time consuming more than 4 drinks at one time.[1]
One organ that is greatly affected by alcohol intoxication is the liver. Alcohol intoxication can cause an overwhelming metabolic load to the liver. The stress on the liver accumulates over the years, leading to more serious liver problems in the future. If children start drinking early, liver problems have a greater tendency to appear early also.[2]
Alcohol intoxication can significantly affect all organs in the body but none is as severe as its effects on the brain. A child’s brain is still in the process of maturation. Drinking young can interfere with this process eventually leading to learning difficulties and more serious problems associated with alcoholism.[3]
Another remarkable effect of alcohol to the brain is how it heightens risk-taking behaviours among children. A study of the underage drinking effects showed that children treated for alcohol-related problems tend to engage in risk-taking behaviours more than children who do not drink.[4] Underage drinkers, therefore, put themselves at a greater risk of having problems related to increased risk-taking behaviours such as drinking and driving, unprotected sex, accidents, suicide, and alcoholism, among others. [5]
The sad truth is children are oblivious to the critical effects of underage drinking. That is why raising awareness among ADULTS is important, so that they too can raise awareness amongst their children.
[1] http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/AboutNIAAA/NIAAASponsoredPrograms/underage.htm
[2] Cornwell, A. and Cornwell, C. (1993) Drugs, Alcohol and Mental Health; United Kingdom; Cambridge University Press; p. 52
[3] http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/media/pdf/MythsFactsBrochure_508compliant.pdf
[4] Kelly, T., et al (2005) Alcohol use disorder symptoms and risk-taking behavior as predictors of alcohol-related medical events among young adults treated in emergency departments; http://www.sciencedirect.com
[5] http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20082805-17394-2.html