Disturbing new information about alcohol use among preteens and teens has been released. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published federal data showing that 27.6% of 12- to 20-year-olds in the United States drank alcohol during the past month. That means that over one-quarter of American children are engaging in illegal, underage drinking. Even worse, the 2009 Partnership
Read moreIn the United States, 12.8% of all fatal traffic crashes were alcohol-related, and 40% of that number involved teens driving while drinking alcohol. Car accidents are the number one killer of adolescents and many of those accidents involve alcohol. Surprisingly, a recent study (ScienceDaily, Feb. 18) reported that the rate of alcohol-related fatal car crashes has risen among some populations
Read moreAlcohol is, by far, the most socially acceptable and easiest drug to obtain in our country. For that reason, it’s a popular choice among teens. Although it is illegal for teens to purchase alcohol, they can often get it through their parent’s own liquor cabinets, unscrupulous store clerks, or older friends who purchase it for them. The median age at
Read moreTeenagers and substance abuse are not a great mix. Parents, teachers, law enforcement and other community members often strive to prevent children from experimenting with drugs and alcohol. In the hope of educating the public, Middle Earth has compiled some interesting information from a variety of sources on this topic. Is there really a problem? There are numerous studies and
Read moreA recent New York Times article indicated that alcohol use among teenagers is highly prevalent in the latest Harry Potter movie. The Times reports that “young wizards and their adult professors are seen sipping, gulping and pouring various forms of alcohol to calm their nerves, fortify their courage or comfort their sorrows.” You can view the NYTimes article mentioned at
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