Tobacco and illegal drug use are down among American teens, but heavy underage drinking continues. The acting U.S. surgeon general is calling on families, educators, health care workers and communities to get the facts on the problem and do what they can to address it.

Key facts:

• Alcohol dependence rates in the United States are highest among 18- to 20-year-olds.

• Teens drink less often than adults but drink a larger volume of alcohol on a single occasion.

• Underage drinking kills about 5,000 young people a year.

• Teens who choose to drink may have behavior problems; a strong desire for new experiences; or a history of family conflict, stress or alcohol problems.

• As early as age 9, children think alcohol use is OK.



What families can do about underage alcohol use:

• Support your teens and give them space to grow.

• Set clear rules about alcohol use and enforce those rules.

• Teach your children about the dangers of underage drinking and make clear your expectations.

• Help your teens make good decisions about alcohol.

• Tell teens that any alcohol in your home is off limits to them.

• Don't let your teens attend parties where alcohol is served.

• Help your teens get professional help if you're worried about their involvement with alcohol.

• Understand the risk of alcohol use goes up with social transitions (graduation, getting a driver's license), depression, contact with peers involved in deviant activities and a family history of alcoholism.

• Be a positive role model: Don't drink too much or too often. Get help if you think you have an alcohol-related problem.

Source: The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking. To get a copy, go to www.surgeongeneral.gov or call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 800-729-6686.