Statistics
In 2007, the average age at first alcohol use among recent initiates aged 12 to 49 was 16.8 years, similar to the corresponding 2006 estimate (16.6 years).
up>[ref.]
up>[References]
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2008). Results from the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings (Office of Applied Studies, NSDUH Series H-34, DHHS Publication No. SMA 08-4343). Rockville, MD. http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh/2k7nsduh/2k7Results.pdf
Underage alcohol use is more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined.
up>[ref.]
up>[References]
Grunbaum, J.A., et al. "Youth risk behavior surveillance: United States, 2001." MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report51(SS0 4):1–62, 2002.
Young, S.E., et al. "Substance Use, Abuse and Dependence in Adolescence: Prevalence, Symptom Profiles and Correlates". Drug and Alcohol Dependence68(3):309–322, 2002.