Drinking is illegal for youth under 21 in ALL 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Myth:
You can’t die from drinking alcohol.

Fact:
Alcohol is a powerful drug that slows down the body and mind. Drinking too much can lead to alcohol addiction or alcoholism. Drinking too much alcohol too fast can lead to alcohol poisoning which can kill you.

Myth:
Teens can’t get addicted to alcohol.

Fact:
When a teen drinks too much, they risk becoming addicted to alcohol. This is called alcoholism or alcohol dependence. It is a disease that can happen at any age.

Myth:
Alcohol use isn’t as harmful as other drugs.

Fact:
Drinking alcohol is particularly harmful to teen development. The brain is still maturing and not fully developed until the early 20s. Research shows teen alcohol use may lead to negative effects on the brain. Most kids drink alcohol. Most kids don’t drink. Research shows 85 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 are not current alcohol drinkers.

Myth:
Most kids approve of drinking.

Fact:
A national survey reported that 80 percent of 8th graders and 77 percent of 10th graders disapprove of people who drink every day.