[20070402]RS22636_年轻人饮酒情况.pdf

1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Surgeon Generals Call to Action toPrevent and Reduce Underage Drinking, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2007, at http:/www.surgeongeneral.gov/.2 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Press Office, Acting Surgeon General IssuesNational Call to Action on Underage Drinking, Office of the Surgeon General, Mar. 6, 2007, athttp:/www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/20070306.html.Order Code RS22636April 2, 2007Alcohol Use Among YouthAndrew R. SommersAnalyst in Chronic Care and DisabilityDomestic Social Policy DivisionRamya SundararamanAnalyst in Public HealthDomestic Social Policy DivisionSummaryAlcohol use by persons under age 21 has been identified as a major public healthproblem. Studies note that it increases the risks for disability, and may be detrimentalto the developing brain. Minors who drink are more likely to commit suicide, break thelaw, or be victims of violence. Alcohol is implicated in nearly one-third of youth trafficfatalities. The total annual cost of underage drinking is estimated at $62 billion. Whilemost laws intended to prevent underage drinking are passed at the state