How many people drink under 21?

Underage drinking is a significant concern in many countries. In the United States, for example, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that an estimated 11 million people aged 12 to 20 engaged in underage drinking in the past 30 days in 2019. This represents approximately 30.5% of the population in that age group. Among those aged 18 to 20, the rate of underage drinking was even higher, with an estimated 51.5% reporting alcohol use in the past month.

It's important to note that underage drinking can have serious consequences for both individuals and society as a whole. It can lead to various health risks, including accidents, injuries, risky sexual behavior, and the development of alcohol addiction later in life. Furthermore, underage drinking is associated with increased rates of school dropout, academic difficulties, and criminal behavior.

To combat the issue of underage drinking, many countries have implemented various preventive measures, such as strict laws against underage purchase and consumption of alcohol, educational programs, parental involvement, and community-based initiatives. However, it remains a complex challenge that requires continued attention and collaboration from various stakeholders to address the root causes and reduce the prevalence of underage drinking.