Health Tip: How to Spot Underage Drinking

More children abuse alcohol than tobacco or illicit drugs

(HealthDay News) -- Besides being illegal, underage drinking can endanger a young person's physical and emotional health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The CDC says underage drinkers are more likely than other peers to have:

  • Problems at school, including more absences and poor grades.
  • Problems maintaining friendships and relationships.
  • Problems with the legal system.
  • Frequent hangovers or illnesses, drug abuse and problems with memory.
  • Cases of alcohol poisoning.
  • Car accidents.
  • Increased risk of sexual or physical assault, suicide or homicide, or unplanned pregnancy.
  • Problems affecting brain development.
Diana Kohnle

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