Health Tip: Underage Drinking is Risky

The legal drinking age is 21 in the United States, and drinking before the legal age has its risks.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these examples:

• Having social trouble at school and in relationships.
• Having problems with the legal system, such as when driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Having physical problems such as a hangover. Also, drinking may increase risks of suicide or homicide.
• Making poor choices about sexual activity.
• Being at increased risk of alcohol-related injury, from a car crash to drowning.
• Being at increased risk of drug use and alcohol-related death.