Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drugs

Underage drinking and drug use is more harmful to teens than adults because their brains are still developing throughout adolescence and well into young adulthood- between the ages of 23-25. Substance use during this critical growth period can lead to lifelong damage in brain function, particularly as it relates to memory, motor skills (ability to move) and coordination.

According to research, young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.