Many young people drink alcohol. By age 15, about 33 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink. By age 18, about 60 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink. In 2015, 7.7 million young people ages 12–20 reported that they drank alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking
Alcohol is the drug of choice among youth. Many young people are experiencing the consequences of drinking too much, at too early an age. As a result, underage drinking is a leading public health problem in this country.
Each year, approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking; this includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, 1,600 as a result of homicides, 300 from suicide, as well as hundreds from other injuries such as falls, burns, and drownings (1–5).https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA67/AA67.htm
early introduction to alcohol
exposure to adult binge drinking or alcohol dependence
access to alcohol from parents and others https://www.alcohol.org.nz/help-advice/advice-on-alcohol/for-parents/factors-that-influence-young-peoples-drinkingAdolescence, the period between the onset of puberty8 and the assumption of adult roles, is a time of particular vulnerability to alcohol use and its consequences for a variety of developmental reasons, some specific to the individual and others related to the biological and behavioral changes produced by adolescence itself. It also is a time when the developing brain may be particularly susceptible to long-term negative effects from alcohol use https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44366/
Designing effective interventions for adolescents with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) presents several challenges, not the least of which is the accurate diagnosis of these disorders. Diagnostic criteria for AUDs have been derived largely from clinical and research experience with adults. When these criteria were tested among adolescents, numerous developmental differences were found that may affect the applicability of AUD criteria to this age group. Despite the absence of clear diagnostic criteria for use with adolescents, research has identified interventions that show promise for use with youth. This article examines both environmental- and individual-level approaches to underage drinking prevention, including school- and family-based programs, and macroenvironmental and multicomponent comprehensive interventions. Finally, it describes brief and complex treatment interventions. Key words: adolescent; alcohol abuse; alcohol dependence; AOD (alcohol and other drug) use pattern; diagnostic criteria; biological development; psychological development; environmental-level prevention; individual-level prevention; family intervention; school-based intervention; brief intervention; Project Northland https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh283/163-174.htm
Thermal facial imaging: Alcohol has been known to increase body temperature in the face and a potential invention has involved detection of this in 2 diverse ways: 1) using an algorithm to compare photos in a database of those drunk and sober, and 2) using an algorithm to determine whether one’s facial heat is due to heavy drinking. This could be used in airports, liquor stores, and other places to inhibit someone from getting more alcohol if they’ve already had enough.
Alcohol sensors in cars: USA Today described a new generation of technology that could involve preventing a car from operating if the driver is drunk. Researchers are considering 2 different approaches: 1) measuring BAC from someone’s breath by installing sensors mounted in front of the driver, or 2) screening alcohol through finger-tip sensors on the steering wheel and start button with an infrared light scanner. https://www.simplerecovery.com/the-coolest-technology-inventions-related-to-alcohol/
Health,science 2019 