In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, but that does not stop teenagers or anyone under the age from the consumption of alcohol. Approximately one out of ten alcoholic drinks in the U.S. is consumed by someone under the age of 21, according to the American Addiction Center. April brings awareness to the causes and consequences of underage drinking and overall safety for the younger generation.

The goal of S.A.D.D is to prevent students from drug use, risky and impaired driving, alcohol use, and destructive decisions. During this month of April, S.A.D.D. does a sticker shock campaign. “We visit local beer distributors and place warning stickers on cases of beer,” said Mr. Adrian Portland. “These stickers remind adults that it is illegal to purchase alcohol for minors. In the past, S.A.D.D brought in guest speakers and have held mock accidents around prom and graduation time.”

“Prom Promise is sponsored by SADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions,” said Mr. Charles Schuster. “The purpose of Prom Promise is to remind the students attending the holiday prom or senior prom about the importance of making smart and safe decisions on prom night.”

Underage drinking can lead to more than a wreckful night. Teenagers can ruin their entire future plans for one fun party. Over the past 20 years, the number of diseases caused by alcohol and alcohol-related hospital trips has increased. From information collected in 2022 alone by the American Addiction Center, about 26,000 patients came into the hospital because of alcohol and almost 33,000 people went to the emergency room.

Statistics from American Addiction Centers say that adults do drink more than underage people but underage do consume more in one given time period. Alcohol can have serious consequences on your body and to your mind that might make you rethink your decisions. Children’s and Teenager’s brains are still developing and alcohol can prevent them from maturing into young adults. Abusing alcohol can cause signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and antisocial behavior, both during intoxication and during withdrawal.

According to the American Addiction Center, every single day, about 32 victims die because of alcohol-related crashes in the United States. In 2020, more than 11,000 people died because of drunk drivers. Alcohol is a substance that impacts your brain, and to drive, your brain is needed for critical thinking. Drinking and driving can lead you to jail for charges like a misdemeanor or even a felony. With those charges, you can lose your license and pay upward of $10,000 in fines and fees.

“I feel that this month is a great way to show students the importance of how alcohol can affect you,” Senior Katlin Painter said. “Seniors and their prom dates can have a good time at prom without consuming any alcohol.”