According to the Washington Post, 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States is by people age 12 to 20, and most of that is in the form of a “binge”–consuming five or six drinks (beers, shots) within two hours.
It seems to even be a regular thing that people that age (and even into the later college years) consider “blackout” drinking (consuming so much you retain no memory while you are drunk) or even “passout” drinking–consuming so much you lose consciousness–to be good sport.
Both seem to be seen as games, even here at SOU.
The trouble is, younger brains are even more susceptible than those of older adults to serious and permanent damage as a result of such drinking.
By the way, that old idea that you have brain cells to spare–that we only use 10% of them and if some are wiped out by drinking it’s no great loss–that’s nonsense! As a neurologist.
Here’s a shortened link to the Washington Post article:
If you don’t drink now, don’t start. If you do and you think you need help stopping, there is a solution. If you’re interested, let me know.