What Are the Dangers of Teenage Binge Drinking?

• Sometimes binge drinking has more serious consequences than a hangover. glass of vodka with pickled cucumber and spring onion image by Angel_a from Fotolia.com

  Teenage binge drinking is a matter for concern in many societies. Debate rages about the causes. Some argue that experimentation is normal at this age, almost a part of growing up. Others blame the availability and relative cheapness of alcohol. What is clear is that binge drinking is high-risk behavior that can have serious, sometimes fatal consequences. According to a 2005 Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration survey, 10.8 million of people between the ages of 12 and 20 claimed to have drunk alcohol in the past month. Of those surveyed, 7.2 million admitted to binge-drinking, and 2.3 million confessed to heavy drinking.

High-Risk Behavior

• There is a saying that goes, "Drink in, sense out." Most people who have experienced being drunk would probably agree with that. For teenagers who have not had much practice at decision-making, this can be even more true. Sometimes the risk-taking behavior that follows drinking has terrible consequences. Alcohol-related fatalities are twice as prevalent in the age group of people between the ages of 16 to 21. Other risk-taking behavior includes unprotected sex and trusting strangers.

Alcohol-Dependency

• Some teenagers experiment with alcohol, then learn from their mistakes and move on to have a more mature relationship with drink. However, for some people, it's the start of a slippery slope. Some people begin to rely on alcohol to make them more sociable or to deal with problems. An unhealthy relationship with alcohol can take an insidious hold.

Health Problems

• Heavy drinking is related to a number of health problems. Probably the most well-known of these is liver disease, but many other organs can be damaged by excessive alcohol. An alcoholic may suffer from pancreatic and stomach problems. Brain cell damage can lead to short-term memory problems, even to dementia.

Mental Health Problems

• Excessive alcohol consumption can impair the development of more healthy coping mechanisms. Too much alcohol consumption is also linked to depression and anxiety. A teenager who drinks too much may experience difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, and her studies may suffer.