The legal drinking age is 21 years old in the United States, but many Americans accept the reality of underage drinking in high school and college.
Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America's youth, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Excessive use of alcohol by young people can influence life-long habits and pose health and safety risks for the community.
Dangerous patterns like binge drinking, drunk driving, and long-term dependence on alcohol can develop from habits set early in life, and sometimes lead to unexpected death.
But with alcohol consumption playing such a major part of our society, how do we start conversations with young people about responsible use?
What messages are young people receiving about alcohol and how are they being educated about the consequences?
In what ways do teenagers typically obtain alcohol while underage and how are regulations enforced?
Guests:
- Abigail Moore, CEO of the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Chris Porter, public information officer for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
- Jill Krause, parenting blogger affiliated with the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility's #TalkEarly program
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