The harms associated with alcohol consumption and young people are well documented in Australian literature. Alcohol kills 6.5 times more youth than all other illegal drugs combined. Each week, one young Australian dies as a direct result of alcohol consumption. Young people who begin drinking before 17 are twice as likely to develop alcohol dependence as those who begin drinking at age 21. Those who begin by age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence.

The information for young adults and parents is intended to provided up to date and accurate information and particularly as it relates to brain damage. The brain does not finish developing for males until around 24, and for females around 22 years of age. The plasticity of the brain renders it particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of alcohol. During adolescence, alcohol can seriously damage long and short term growth processes.

For a copy of the Myth Busting Alcohol booklet for families and young teenagers contact Family Drug Help on (03) 9573 1700.

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