Reducing underage drinking: Surgeon general issues Call for Action

Making inroads against this continuing epidemic will require action at all levels of society -- from government officials and educators to teachers, physicians and even adolescents, says the surgeon general.

Editorial. April 23/30, 2007.

Spring breaks are coming to a close, and prom nights and graduation parties are just around the corner. These times are full of celebration and fun. Unfortunately, they also are often soaked in alcohol, sometimes with tragic endings.

When such things happen, the TV news reports are haunting, showing footage of young, tear-stained faces looking in shock at accident scenes or clutching photos of schoolmates lost. And the headlines trigger a heightened awareness of this danger. But a Call to Action issued last month by the surgeon general -- the first ever to address the health concern of youth alcohol use and abuse -- makes clear that this reaction is not enough. Preventing and reducing underage drinking is a public health imperative that requires attention and involvement all year round from all levels of society.

This effort by the surgeon general is both right and timely. One must only look at the numbers to grasp the problem's pervasive and persistent nature. While young people's use of tobacco and illicit drugs is declining, underage drinking rates remain high. About 11 million Americans younger than 21 drink. Nearly half drink to excess -- consuming five or more drinks in a row, one or more times in a two-week period.

Studies also show that kids often have their first taste before age 12. By 18, more than 70% have had a drink. Generally speaking, boys experiment first -- around age 11; girls at 13. But girls' patterns are resembling that of boys more and more.