Underage Drinking
Possession of Alcohol
If you’re under 21, here’s what happens the first time you are found in possession of alcohol.
Any amount of beer, wine or liquor will trigger the penalties.
- 30-day driver’s license suspension
- up to a $500 fine
- 8 to 12 hours of community service
- mandatory attendance in alcohol-awareness classes
A second or third offense can lead to suspension of your driver’s license for 90 to 180 days. If you’re 17 or older, you also can be fined as much as $2,000 and go to jail for up to 180 days for a third offense.
Overview of Underage Drinking in Texas
Underage drinking is an issue that affects many states in the United States, and Texas is no exception. It is an issue that has become increasingly concerning in recent years as the number of young people using alcohol has increased. This report seeks to provide an overview of underage drinking in Texas and discuss potential solutions to the problem.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the rate of underage drinking in Texas has been relatively stable in recent years. However, it still remains a serious concern. In 2018, an estimated 22% of Texas high school students reported having consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. This is in line with the national average of 21%. Furthermore, the same survey found that 15% of Texas high schoolers reported binge drinking in the past 30 days.
In addition, the prevalence of alcohol use among non-high school aged individuals has also been increasing in recent years. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the rate of underage drinking among adults aged 18-20 in Texas was estimated to be around 29% in 2017, which is a 7% increase from 2012.
Potential Solutions
There are a number of potential solutions to the issue of underage drinking in Texas. One of the most effective strategies is increasing the availability of alcohol education and prevention programs for young people. These programs can help to educate young people about the risks associated with underage drinking and encourage them to make healthier decisions.
In addition, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations is another potential solution. This includes stricter penalties for those who provide alcohol to minors and stronger enforcement of existing laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors.
Finally, another potential solution is increasing access to treatment options for those who are already affected by alcohol use. This can include providing access to counseling, therapy, and support groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, underage drinking is a serious issue in Texas and one that needs to be addressed. There are a number of potential solutions to the problem that can help to reduce underage drinking and its associated risks. These include increasing access to alcohol prevention and education programs, stricter enforcement of existing laws, and increased access to treatment options.
