Alcohol is common, easy to get and the most widely used substance among youth. Early alcohol use can interfere with brain development, increase risky behaviors and set the stage for long-term problems with health, school and relationships.
West Michigan youth data shows:
10% of high school students drank alcohol in the past 30 days.
42% of high school students report "someone gave it to them"
47% of high school students report they usually drank while at another person's home; 42% also indicating at their own home
10% of high school students had their first drink before age 13
Street Names
TurntLitCrunkTipsyWastedJuiceSauce Trashed
SudsOats SodaBubblyFire Water
What Is Alcohol
Alcohol is the intoxicating ingredient in beer, wine, and liquor. It slows down brain function and affects judgment, coordination and impulse control. Youth may drink at parties, in a car, or even at home. Many don't realize how quickly alcohol can affect them or how dangerous it can be when drinking several drinks quickly or combining them with other substances.
Common types of alcohol products:
- Beer (typically around 5% alcohol)
- Wine (typically around 12% alcohol)
- Liquor/spirits such as vodka, rum, whiskey (typically around 40% alcohol)
Why It Matters for Teens
Teens Brains are still developing. Alcohol affects areas that control:
- Memory and learning
- Judgement and decision making
- Emotion regulation
- Impulse control
- Teen drinking is linked to higher risk of injuries/accidents, risky sexual or unwanted situations, and poor performance & school attendance.
Studies show that youth who use alcohol:
- Those that start drinking before age 15 are 5x's more likely to develop alcohol dependance as adults
- The more friends a person has who drinks, the more likely that person is to drink.
- Youth who experience early childhood trauma or who have behavioral issues and certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or other substance use, may be at a greater risk of developing alcohol problems as adolescents.
Common Myths, BUSTED
MYTH:"I drank in high school and turned out fine."
Science Says: That doesn't make it safe. The risks are real, especially now with more distractions, pressure and access.
MYTH: "A little drinking in high school is normal."
Science Says: Early alcohol use is linked to more serious issues later on, including addiction and mental health struggles. 30% of youth believe binge drinking is not risky.
MYTH: "They are just experimenting. It's a phase."
Science Says: Teens who drink regularly are more likely to carry risky habits into adulthood. Not every phase of experimenting ends clean. Early intervention is key!
MYTH: "Letting them drink at home teaches them responsibility."
Science Says: This provides a mixed message about legality and expectations, parents don't often understand they can be fined under the social host liability law. Clear expectations and consequences are a protective factor that is important.
A: Ask your child in a non-judgmental way if they have been drinking. Talk to them about the dangers of drinking. If they have been drinking, try to find out how they have been getting access to alcohol. If it’s from your home, consider locking it up.
A: You and your husband are adults, and your brains have finished developing. Explain to your teen that their brain is still growing and can be more negatively impacted by alcohol use. Before the age of 25, they are at higher risk for alcohol-related problems and addiction.
A: It is against the law in Michigan to allow minors to consume alcohol on your property. You could be charged with a misdemeanor, fined, and/or serve jail time. If an injury or car accident occurs, that would result in harsher consequences for you, potentially a felony.
A: It wouldn’t hurt to remind her that she should not drive if she has been drinking alcohol. When it comes to riding with someone that has been drinking, encourage her to call you or another adult she trusts to pick her up.