Underage drinking is very common in Canada. The average age of first-time alcohol use in Canada is 13 years old.
80% of young Canadians 15 years and older have reported drinking alcohol during the past year. Most young people will try alcohol before other substances.
Teens try alcohol for several different reasons: to fit in, peer pressure, boredom, risk-taking, or to be like older siblings. It happens on social media and at parties. They may use it to help relax or deal with stress or anxiety.
Many people react differently to drinking alcohol, they may be happy and relaxed or depressed and hostile. Suicide and violent crimes often involve alcohol.
A severely intoxicated person may “black out” and have no memory of what they said or did while drinking. Effects of extreme intoxication include inability to stand, vomiting, coma and death.
Teens who drink alcohol are more likely to have alcohol-related car crashes, unwanted or unplanned sexual activity, changes in brain development, thoughts of suicide and alcohol poisoning.
Source,
