Alcohol use by persons under age 21 is a major public health problem. Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs. Although drinking by persons under the age of 21 is illegal, people aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States Over 90% of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinks. On average, underage drinkers consume more drinks per drinking occasion than adult drinkers. In 2005, there were over 145,000 emergency rooms visits by youth 12 to 20 years for injuries and other conditions linked to alcohol.

Drinking Levels among Youth

The 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that among high school students, during the past 30 days

• 1 out of 2 drink some amount of alcohol.
• 1 out of 4 binge drink.
• 1 out of 10 drove after drinking alcohol.
• 1 out of 4 rode with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.

Other national surveys

• In 2006, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 28% of youth aged 12 to 20 years reported drinking alcohol and 19% reported binge drinking.
• Monitoring the Future Survey* in 2007 found that 39% of 8th graders and 72% of 12th have tried alcohol, and that 16% of 8th graders and 44% of 12th graders drank during the past month .