Underage Drinking Today

ATLANTA, Ga. - Underage drinking isn’t exactly something new, but it’s an issue that is still very prevalent and needs more attention.

“I was terrified when I seen those lights in my mirror. I was so drunk; the thought of running even crossed my mind for a minute. Isn’t that crazy,” 20 year-old college student Lola Wynn said. “I knew I shouldn’t have driven, but at that time, I honestly thought that I was fine.”

2007 Statistics of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services say that almost 10 percent of 12 year olds admitted to having at least once drink. By age 13, that number is almost doubled. And by age 15, approximately 50 percent have had at least one drink.

Even worse statistics, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2007, about 33 percent of the 15- to 20-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. had been drinking, a number that is continuing to increase every year.

“My 13-year-old has never even seen a wine bottle at home,” Sharon Scruggs, mother of three said. “I’m sure at school she has friends who’ve drank, but it’s not accessible to her at home.”

Although most kids probably don’t drink for the first time in their homes, it still happens. Rather it’s out at a friend’s house or a hang out spot, accessing it is quite easy to under-agers, according to Wynn.

“My first time was at my best friend’s house when I was freshman in high school. She supplied it. She was one of those types of parents’ whose philosophy was ‘I’d rather you do it here with me then outside of my house,'” Wynn said. “But I think that can be detrimental to a child’s future.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, research conducted in 2008 indicate that drinking patterns that began at a young age are likely to continue throughout adulthood. Teens are also very vulnerable to alcohol-induced brain damage. This can lead to cognitive destruction, as well as creating the potential problem of a future habit.

"Getting a DUI at 20 was really an eye opening experience. I lost my job, I almost killed myself, and I dropped classes to be able to work more so that I could pay it off. Very expensive," Wynn said.

Underage drinking isn’t only a problem just happening on college campuses or during house parties. Venues that serve alcohol are dropping the ball in this area as well. For instance. Club Oz in Ann Arbor had to shut its doors back in 2008 due to losing its liquor license.

“I started promoting parties for a 21 and up event in downtown Detroit when I turned 19,” party-promoter Samira Montloius said. “Of course I drank there. My friends who were underage were able to drink too. All we had to do was take them to the bathroom and bring the shots in there.”

The fact that a person can serve liquor, but cannot legally consume it may seem a little contradictory. According to Michigan.gov, the Michigan liquor law license states “do not allow a person who is less than 18 years of age to sell or serve alcoholic beverages.”

“There also isn’t any penalties for minors who attempt to buy alcohol, but there is for the bartender or the club owner," Montloius said. "This is how a lot of places lose their license in the first place.”

(Below is a slide show featuring Lola Wynn)