2.+Background+Info.

=Teenage Drinking - Background Information=



=== ** According to the Britannica Concise Encyclopedia 2010, adolescence is defined as the period of life from puberty to adulthood (roughly ages 12 – 20) characterized by marked physiological changes, development of sexual feelings, efforts toward the construction of identity, and a progression from concrete to abstract thought. Adolescence is sometimes viewed as a transitional state, during which youths begin to separate themselves from their parents but still lack a clearly defined role in society. It is generally regarded as an emotionally intense and often stressful period. As can be imagined, alcohol use during this time of growth and transition can cause serious complications. ** ===

**Some Statistics:**

Alcohol use continues to be a serious problem, especially for teenagers. According to Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, "more than 40% of kids who begin drinking before the age of 13 will have alcohol abuse problems later in life." (//One in Three U.S. Teens Admits Drinking Alcohol//, 2003) According to the 2003 Gallup Youth Survey discussed in the article, almost a third of U.S. teens say they drink alcohol. As well, about one in three teens say they have been personally affected by alcohol use in their families.



As teenagers get older, the likelihood of alcohol consumption increases. In the 2003 Gallup survey, "42% of teens aged 16 to 17 report using alcohol, compared to just 22% of teens aged 13 to 15" (//One in Three U.S. Teens Admits Drinking Alcohol//, 2003). The study suggests that the significant increase among older teens is caused by increased peer pressure to drink within this age group. This same study debunks the myth that teen boys are wilder and more likely to drink than teen girls. According to the study results, teen girls are more likely than teen boys to say they drink (33% to 26%, respectively).

Teen drinking is not just a current health problem - it is a predictor of future health problems (//One in Three U.S. Teens Admits Drinking//, 2003). Many who develop drinking problems in their teens years will develop physiological and psychological problems later on as adults.

==Drinking among College Students==

When one thinks of college or university students, one typically thinks of drinking. It is common knowledge that most college and university students drink, and many to the point of excess. In 2005, the proportion of drinkers was about 6% higher among 18-22 year old college students than among others of that age (Hart, Ksir, & Ray, 2008). Despite increased regulations, drinking behavior seems to be getting worse. Some evidence shows among college drinkers a slightly increased incidence of alcohol-related problems, such as fighting, vandalism, poor grades, trouble with the police, and missing class because of hangovers (Hart et al., 2008). One encouraging fact is that today's college students are less likely to drink and drive, than those of the early 1980's (Hart et al., 2008). Our textbook notes that "alcohol abuse by college students usually occurs through binge drinking, which is defined as having five or more drinks in a row" (Hart et al., 2008).

The following video shows some of the misconceptions and concerns some college students have about binge drinking.

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