Risks of Underage Drinking You probably know the legal drinking age is 21, but do you know the risks of underage drinking? Your brain isn’t fully developed until your mid-to-late 20s . The prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that assists with decision making and impulse control, is the last to develop. This is one of the biggest reasons underage drinking is dangerous. No matter your age, alcohol impacts many parts of the body including your brain, heart, liver and pancreas. Some of the most common short-term side effects of drinking are: Changes in mood and behavior Poor coordination Dizziness and blurred vision Lowered inhibitions If you begin drinking before age 15, you are much more likely to become a long-term drinker. Around 20% of teens are considered ‘problem drinkers’ meaning they get drunk, experience drinking-related accidents and get into trouble with the law, at school or interpersonally (friends, family and significant others). Important Reminder! For those 21+, the legal drinking limit is 0.08 blood alcohol content (BAC). If you are under 21, the legal BAC is 0.0. Regardless of age, drinking and driving is unsafe and could lead to severe consequences. Avoid driving after drinking and getting in the car with someone who has been drinking. In addition to the risk of developing problem drinking or alcoholism, the younger you are when you begin drinking, the higher the risk of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Drinking while you’re still developing during puberty can also change hormones in your body, which may disrupt growth. Adolescents and young adults are more likely to engage in risky behavior in general. Add alcohol into the mix and that likelihood increases. Young people are more likely to experience: Alcohol poisoning or drinking to the point of becoming sick. Alcohol abuse and misuse or abuse of other substances. Violence (physical and sexual). Problems at school and/or work. Unplanned and/or unprotected sexual activity. Social strains (withdrawal or fighting). Legal problems (arrested for alcohol-related crimes). For more information on alcohol, check out the Warfighter Wellness webpage on Alcohol. Is It Worth Risking Your Career? As a Warfighter, it is your responsibility to follow the law. By engaging in underage drinking, you are putting your job at risk. Alcohol-related infractions can lead to maximum punishment of bad-conduct discharge, forfeiture of all pay allowances and confinement. Where To Get Help If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, consider reaching out for help. Check out the resources below: Alcohol Awareness Treatment Locator Own Your Limits Campaign U.S. Army Public Health Center – Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use U.S. Marine Corps – Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program Office of Work-life (CG-111): Substance Abuse Prevention Program VA Services DHA Public Health – Army Substance Abuse Program References National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – “Alcohol’s Effects on the Body” National Institute of Mental Health – “The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know” U.S. Navy – “OPNAVIST 5350.4E: Navy Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Control” U.S. Marine Corps – “MCO 1700.22G: Alcoholic Beverage Control in the Marine Corps” U.S. Marine Corps – “MCO 5300.17: Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program” U.S. Coast Guard – “OCMDTINST M1000.10: Coast Guard Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program”
