Alcohol
The most used and most misunderstood substance.
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in the United States. Because it's legal for adults, many teens underestimate how dangerous it can be.
DID YOU KNOW? — LOCAL DATA Teen alcohol use in Prosser has been cut nearly in half since 2014.
The percentage of high school youth reporting past 30-day alcohol use dropped from 23.9% in 2014 to 9.7% in 2023 — a 59.4% decrease. Prevention works when a community shows up together.
Source: Prosser Thrive Coalition, 2023
#1
Most used substance among youth in the U.S.
4×
More likely to develop dependence if drinking starts before age 15
3,500+
People under 21 die from alcohol-related causes each year
80%
Of teens say parents are the biggest influence on their decisions about drinking
Alcohol FAQS Answers to Your Most Common Questions About Alcohol
Your brain isn't finished developing until you're in your mid-twenties. Using alcohol while your brain is still developing has been shown to affect the parts of the brain that control memory, learning, impulse control, language, and decision-making. Your age when you take your first alcoholic drink is also a major factor in your likelihood of addiction down the road. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, people who begin drinking before age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than people who waited until they turned 21.
Alcohol poisoning happens when someone drinks a large amount of alcohol in a short time. Signs include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, blue-tinged or pale skin, and unconsciousness. It's a medical emergency — call 911 immediately if you suspect alcohol poisoning.
Binge drinking is defined as consuming 4+ drinks (women) or 5+ drinks (men) within about 2 hours, bringing blood alcohol concentration to 0.08% or higher. It is the most common, costly, and deadly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the U.S.
Youth & Parent Alcohol Education What Everyone Should Know About Alcohol...
Alcohol disrupts brain development
Alcohol during adolescence can impair memory, concentration, and the ability to make decisions — permanently.
It's the leading cause of teen traffic deaths
Alcohol is involved in about 1 in 3 traffic fatalities involving drivers under 21 — the #1 killer of teens in the U.S.
It affects performance at school
Youth who drink regularly are more likely to miss school, perform poorly, and drop out.
Parents can make the difference
80% of teens say parents are the most important influence on whether they drink. Starting early has a measurable impact.
Resources
Alcohol Abuse
Signs a teen may be drinking
Changes in moodDeclining gradesSmell of alcoholLoss of interestNew friend groupsMissing alcohol at home
Rehabilitation & Treatment Resources Drug & Alcohol Treatment Near Prosser, WA
If you or someone you know is in need of treatment for drug and/or alcohol abuse, please contact one of the following organizations.
