The data, highlighted in a new report, "Alcohol Use and Delinquent Behaviors among Youths," extracted from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2003, show that youths who reported heavy alcohol use in the past month were the most likely to have participated in delinquent behavior. Heavy alcohol use is defined as five or more drinks in a single setting at least five times in the past 30 days.
"Underage alcohol use is not a behavior that should be overlooked by parents. It can be a sign of other serious problems," SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie pointed out. "Heavy alcohol use among young people is not only illegal, it is linked to fighting, stealing, selling drugs and carrying a handgun. Parents must talk with their children about the dangers of underage alcohol use and be aware of the behaviors that often go hand in hand with abuse."
Curie added that "National Alcohol Screening Day is on April 7, providing people who are who are age 18 or older the opportunity to assess their alcohol use. Information on screening sites across the country are available on the internet or by calling toll free 1-877-311-NASD.
Heavy Drinking, Fighting
The report notes that 41 percent of youth who engaged in heavy drinking took part in serious fighting at school or work. Similarly, 23 percent of 12-17 year old heavy drinkers were involved in stealing or trying to steal anything worth more than $50.The report points out that almost 38 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 who were heavy drinkers also took part in group against group fighting. About 22 percent of youth who were heavy users of alcohol had attacked someone with the intent to seriously hurt them.
The report is available on the web.
