Let’s set the record straight. There are a lot of myths out there when it comes to teens and alcohol. Some have been passed down over time, others are shaped by culture, and many are simply outdated. Below, we highlight common misconceptions and replace them with facts so parents and caregivers can feel confident in guiding their kids.
Research shows that the brain continues to develop into the mid-20s, especially the parts that manage decision-making and impulse control. The legal drinking age of 21 aligns with these findings and helps reduce the risk of addiction and long-term harm. Delaying alcohol and other substances until age 21 reduces the risk of developing addiction from 1 in 4 to 1 in 25.
Sources: CDC, L. Richter, Partnership to End Addiction, and Gortay, PNAS
Drinking is linked to increased risk of school dropout, teen pregnancy, aggression, sexual violence, and poor mental health, including suicide. A true reward should benefit your teen, not put them at risk.
Source: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance
Framing drinking as a “rite of passage” normalizes risky behavior. Encouraging safe, substance-free traditions helps protect teens and promotes healthier choices.
New York’s Social Host Law makes it illegal for adults to allow underage drinking on their property. But beyond legal consequences, allowing teens to drink at home sends the message that underage drinking is acceptable, which can increase the likelihood of addiction and mental health
issues.
Even without a car involved, alcohol can lead to dangerous outcomes including unintended injuries (falling, drowning, etc), alcohol poisoning, risky sexual behavior, and assault. It also interferes with healthy brain development and mental health during the teen years, when the brain is still forming and especially vulnerable to harm. Research shows that alcohol use during adolescence increases the risk of:
Teens who drink in high school are more likely to binge drink and use other substances in the future, even into adulthood. Setting clear boundaries and expectations helps protect your child, not restrict them.
Sources: Westchester County Social Host Law, SAMHSA, NIAA, CDC
In a typical month, 74% of 10th graders do not use alcohol, 87% of 8th graders do not use alcohol, and 58% of 12th graders do not use alcohol. These numbers have dropped significantly since the 1990s.
Source: Monitoring the Future, 2024
Youth leaders are redefining friendship by focusing on messaging that supports self-care and taking care of friends. Being a good friend means looking out for each other and caring about safety, health, and future goals. Alcohol use can get in the way of those values.
About 178,000 deaths are attributed to alcohol each year in the U.S., which is significantly more than opioid overdoses. For teens, alcohol use also increases the likelihood of using other substances.
Compared to their peers who did NOT drink, teens who DID use even “some” alcohol in the past month were:
-9.8X more likely to use marijuana
-7.3X more likely to use tobacco products or vape nicotine
-9.8X more likely to use other illicit drugs
Compared to their peer who did NOT drink alcohol, those who reported BINGE OR HEAVY ALCOHOL USE in the past month were:
-15.6X more likely to use marijuana
-20.3X more likely to use tobacco products or vape nicotine
-9.3X more likely to use other illicit drugs
Sources: CDC and National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), One Choice
Even when transportation is handled, alcohol still impacts safety, judgment, and mental health. Risks like assault, injury, regrettable decisions, and risk of future addiction remain.
Teen brains are wired for novelty and risk-taking, which can lead to underage drinking or substance use. Staying engaged and having open conversations helps them make better choices.
The substances are stronger, pressures are greater, and mental health risks are higher. Relying on the past to guide today’s parenting doesn’t reflect current science or reality.
Studies show that alcohol doesn’t actually improve social skills. It’s a placebo and not true. Teens who drink often feel regret the next day because their behavior didn’t reflect who they truly are.
Source: Jason Kilmer, University of Washington
Healthy connections with family and trusted adults, getting enough sleep, staying active, avoiding substances, and having goals for the future all support strong mental and physical health. Protective factors make a real difference.
Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the likelihood of future substance use. What teens need most are clear boundaries and consistent messages about their health and safety. We can find ways to honor tradition while also recognizing what we now understand about the risks.
Learn more about alcohol and underage drinking, gain facts and tips: All about alcohol.