Underage Drinking Statistics By State

Underage drinking continues to be a problem in the United States. According to the Surgeon General, alcohol is the most commonly used and misused drug in the country for young people. It’s estimated that there are more than 3,900 alcohol-related deaths for underage individuals each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

One of the first steps in fighting this problem is to understand it. We examined data collected by government agencies and have compiled our findings in this page.

Underage Drinking In the United States

In general, young people between the ages 12 and 20 are still consuming alcohol regularly. According to data collected in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nationally:

• 1.82 million young people between the ages of 12 and 17 reported alcohol use in the last 30 days.
• 1.17 million people between the ages of 12 and 17 reported binge drinking in the last 30 days.

Southern states have the highest number of underage drinkers — 654,000 young people reported alcohol use in the last 30 days — and the northeast has the fewest (169,000).

Underage Drinking by State

Analyzing by state, there are significant differences in underage drinking depending on where you live. 

• California has the highest number of young people reporting past 30 day alcohol use (196,000) and binge drinking (126,000).
• Texas has the second highest number of young people reporting past 30 day alcohol use (187,000) and binge drinking (103,000).
• Wyoming ranked lowest in the number of young people reporting 30 day alcohol use and binge drinking (2,000 each, respectively).

Underage Binge Drinking by State

When analyzing the binge drinking statistics for underage individuals, California and Texas rank highest as the states with the highest number of young people reporting binge drinking — almost double the next closest states. 

After California and Texas, the top five states are:

• New York – 57,000 young people reported past 30 day binge drinking.
• Illinois – 55,000 young people reported past 30 day binge drinking.
• Florida – 48,000 young people reported past 30 day binge drinking.
• Ohio – 39,000 young people reported past 30 day binge drinking.
• Pennsylvania – 35,000 young people reported past 30 day binge drinking.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Dependence and Addiction

Underage binge drinking is a national problem and it can lead to further health complications, including alcohol dependency and addiction. Early interventions can help young people understand the risks of alcohol use and help prevent long-term health consequences.

If you know a young person in your life suffering from alcohol addiction, find out more about how you can help. Our alcohol rehab in Mississippi can help you or someone you love get the care needed to overcome addiction. To find out more information about treatment options for young adults, contact our helpful and knowledgeable admissions navigators at .