Last Updated on December 10, 2019 by Valarie Ward

Supplying a teenager with alcohol is serious. It can lead to unforeseen, sometimes deadly, consequences. Yet, friends, family, and other adults often give alcohol to minors without a second thought. Before supplying a teenager with alcohol, consider these five reasons not to give a teen alcohol.

#1: Supplying Alcohol to Someone Under the Age of 21 is Illegal

North Carolina has a zero tolerance law when it comes to alcohol. For anyone under the age of 21 caught drinking, this means strict punishment, which can include everything from expensive fines to community service and jail time. For anyone supplying a minor with alcohol, it also means strict consequences, such as:

• Jail time
• Fines up to $5,000 ($50,000 in the case of a felony)
• Court Costs
• Probation

#2: Alcohol Disrupts Mental Development

Extensive studies have been conducted concerning the development of the teenage brain, particularly in the past 20 years. The findings show that alcohol can have life long and changing effects on the teen brain.

At a time when physical and mental development is at its peak (puberty), the introduction or use of alcohol can disrupt the brain’s development. As a result, major impact can be seen on important life decisions, such as school, careers, and relationships. Giving a teenager alcohol can forever stunt or inhibit their development.

#3: Flirting with Alcohol Addiction

Addiction is influenced by several factors. Studies indicate a person’s medical history, family history, environment, and everyday influences strongly influence their risk of becoming addicted. By introducing a teenager to alcohol, you could be influencing their eventual battle with alcoholism.

The idea that one drink won’t hurt is not an excuse or reason to give a minor alcohol. Like drugs, alcohol is an addictive substance. For some, it only takes one taste to spark a lifelong fight with addiction.

#4: Increased Risk of Death

Nothing is more jarring than the death of a minor. Research suggests that teens who drink are far more likely to be killed in or cause a deadly alcohol-related accident. Approximately three teens die every day due to drunk driving.

#5: Increased Risk of Illicit Drug Use

Studies also indicate that teenagers who consume alcohol are more likely to fall victim to illicit drug use in comparison to teens who do not consume alcohol. By supplying a minor with alcohol, you could be hurrying the increase of this risk at a time when your teen is not ready to make smart decisions or seek help.

Supplying a minor with alcohol enables. It enables our youth to dabble in a substance they may or may not be ready to handle. Alcoholism is a dangerous, deadly, and tough habit for adults to kick. Why open the door for someone under the age of 21 to face such a risky addiction?

The next time you’re tempted to let a minor have alcohol, stop and think. Do you want to be legally responsible for supply a minor with alcohol? More importantly, do you want to enable a habit or addiction that could likely lead to a youth’s death?