Alcohol is the most commonly used substance
among young people in the United States.
ALCOHOL
Data from several national surveys document the use of alcohol among young people. The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that among high school students, during the past 30 days:
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29% drank alcohol
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14% binge drank
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5% of drivers drove after drinking alcohol
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17% rode with a driver who had been drinking alcohol
Rates of current and binge drinking among high school students have generally been declining in recent decades. Although males historically had higher rates, in 2019, female high school students were more likely to drink alcohol and binge drink than male high school students.
According to the CDC, other national surveys find:
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19% of young people aged 12 to 20 years reported drinking alcohol
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11% reported binge drinking in the past 30 days
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8% of 8th-grade students and 29% of 12th-grade students reported drinking alcohol during the past 30 days
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4% of 8th-grade students and 14% of 12th-grade students reported binge drinking during the past two weeks
Not All Drinks Are Created Equal
REMINDER: Not all drinks are created equal. That is why it’s important to know how much alcohol your drink contains. In the United States, one “standard” drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in:
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1.5 ounces of distilled spirits = about 40% alcohol
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5 ounces of wine = about 12% alcohol
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12 ounces of regular beer = about 5% alcohol
Learn more: Alcohol Misuse Prevention in Maine | MeCDC | DHHS
If you or someone you know is struggling to manage their relationship with alcohol, resources can be found at: https://www.chccme.org/resources
Rethinking Drinking
Whether you’re cutting back or quitting, planning ahead can help you stay in control. Recognizing high-pressure situations, having a confident “no” ready, and seeking support from friends or family can empower you to make choices that align with your goals.
Remember that your choice to cut back or quit drinking is yours alone—owning your decision and setting clear expectations can help you stay on track. To build your skills, visit Rethinking Drinking.
What Families Need to Know & Talking to Your Kids
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