Alcohol is the drug of choice among youth. Many young people are experiencing the consequences of drinking too much, at too early an age. As a result, underage drinking is a leading public health problem in every country. Why teens drink Teens are particularly helpless to alcohol use. The physical changes of puberty might make your teen feel self-conscious and more likely to take risks — such as experiment with alcohol — to fit in or please others. Coping with stress and challenging transitions, such as going from school to college, moving, or dealing with the effects of parents problems, might also influence a teen or youngster to drink. Also, your teen might have trouble understanding that his or her actions can have harmful consequences. Other risk factors include: Family problems, such as conflict or parental alcohol abuse A history of childhood abuse or other major trauma Behavior, school or mental health problems Close friendships w...