Underage Drinking

Underage drinking refers to alcohol consumption by individuals below the legal drinking age. In India, where the legal drinking age ranges from 16 to 25 years depending on the state, it remains a significant concern. Despite its prevalence, there is no specific legislation to prevent or penalize this behavior, leaving young people at risk of long-term health and social consequences.

This legal gap highlights the need for stronger enforcement and awareness initiatives. Underage drinking harms individual health and contributes to broader issues like accidents, addiction, and family problems. Addressing this requires policy reforms, education, and community involvement to protect youth and society.

Key Facts You Need to Know:

- Alcohol is the most popular intoxicant among youth.
- In India, children as young as 12 have easy access to alcohol.
- The brain develops until age 21, making it the ideal legal drinking age.
- Teens who drink before 15 are six times more likely to become dependent on alcohol than those who wait until 21.
- Binge drinking, defined as five or more drinks in one sitting, increases addiction and long-term health risks.
- 1 in 5 individuals with addiction are between the ages of 15 and 19.

Indian states that have banned alcohol include Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep. These states are known as the “dry states.” The problem of underage drinking still exists even if these policies are meant to lower alcohol consumption.

Why Does This Matter?

Underage drinking endangers families, communities, and society in addition to the health of young people. Since there are currently no laws specifically addressing this problem, it is imperative to increase awareness and advocate for more stringent rules. Young individuals are more likely to struggle with addiction the younger they are exposed to alcohol.

What are we doing?

Raising awareness of the dangers of underage alcohol consumption.
Paving way for stronger legislation and tougher penalties
Sensitizing individuals and communities towards the issue of teenage drinking and alcoholism a

Let’s take action today – because every choice matters.