More than a quarter of youth aged 12-20 (27.6 percent) drank alcohol in the past month, according to a 2009 national survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The study shows that the underage drinking rates were as high as 40 percent in some states such as North Dakota and Vermont. Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth. Alcohol contributes to the three leading causes of death among 12-20-year-olds (unintentional injury, homicide and suicide). And research shows that those who start drinking before age 15 are six times more likely to have alcohol problems as adults than those who start drinking at age 21 or older. Since 2006, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP) has funded videos for States and Territories that highlight successes in underage drinking prevention, share ideas, and support local prevention communications efforts. By 2014, CSAP aims to produce videos for every State, Territory, and the District of Columbia. Current prevention efforts have proven effective but it takes a community effort. For more information or resources, visit: www.stopalcoholabuse.gov starttalkingnow.org store.samhsa.gov store.samhsa.gov www.cdc.gov Video Rating: 0 / 5