(HealthDay News) -- Besides being illegal, underage drinking can endanger a young person's physical and emotional health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
The CDC says underage drinkers are more likely than other peers to have:
- Problems at school, including more absences and poor grades.
- Problems maintaining friendships and relationships.
- Problems with the legal system.
- Frequent hangovers or illnesses, drug abuse and problems with memory.
- Cases of alcohol poisoning.
- Car accidents.
- Increased risk of sexual or physical assault, suicide or homicide, or unplanned pregnancy.
- Problems affecting brain development.
