Understanding Why Teens Experiment: Tackling the Root Causes of Underage Drinking

Understanding the Causes of Underage Drinking 

Underage drinking is a concern for many North Carolina parents, but as parents (or other concerned adults), there are steps we can take to address it. Understanding why teens try alcohol should be our first goal in helping them make safer choices to avoid it.  

While underage drinking can seem like a social norm, studies show it’s declining in recent years. However, every teen still needs to understand that early alcohol use can lead to risky behaviors and challenges down the road. By addressing the causes of underage drinking early, families can work together to help teens build confidence, resilience, and strong decision-making skills that will last a lifetime. 

Why Do Teens Try Alcohol? 

There’s no single reason why a teenager might start drinking. For many, it’s a mix of curiosity, social influence, and emotional challenges. Understanding the causes of underage drinking can help both teens and parents recognize the risks and navigate conversations about healthy choices. 

1. Peer Pressure 

For many middle and high school students, the desire to fit in is powerful. Whether it’s a party where “everyone is drinking” or subtle pressure from a close friend, both introverted and extroverted kids want to avoid feeling left out. 

Teens who feel confident in their choices and know they have support at home are better equipped to say no when faced with peer pressure. Parents can help by discussing real-life situations and working with their teens to develop refusal skills.  

Another helpful strategy is having a safe family exit plan, like the X-Plan. When teens know they have an easy way out of an uncomfortable situation and a support system behind them, they’re more likely to stand their ground or leave instead of succumbing to peer pressure. 

2. Curiosity 

Curiosity is a natural part of growing up, and underage drinking is often portrayed as an exciting, adult experience. If they haven’t been exposed to open discussions at home, teens may be more likely to try alcohol to see what it’s like. 

Instead of simply saying, “Don’t drink,” parents can provide real information to satisfy their teen’s curiosity in a healthy way. Talk about why adults might choose to drink or not drink alcohol, why underage drinking is risky, and the effects of alcohol on developing adolescent brains. Framing the conversation as a two-way discussion—rather than a set of rules—helps teens feel heard while reinforcing safe choices. 

Also remember that it’s never too soon to talk about teen alcohol prevention, even if your child has not yet reached the teenage years. While your child is young, establish that underage drinking isn’t acceptable while also showing empathy.  

It’s important to listen as much as you speak. Give your teens space to express their thoughts and ask questions. Teens are more likely to be honest if they know they won’t be met with immediate scolding or lectures. 

3. Stress & Anxiety 

Academic pressure, social struggles, and family conflicts can feel overwhelming for teens. When stress builds up, some young people turn to underage drinking as a way to escape. They may believe it’s an easy way to relax, sleep better, or temporarily forget their worries. 

However, we know that underage drinking doesn’t solve problems. While alcohol might seem like an easy fix, it can cause teens to feel more stress and anxiety, and even develop long-term struggles with mental health and substance misuse disorders. 

One of the best ways parents can help is by normalizing conversations about stress and encouraging healthy behaviors. Positive tools for managing stress include: 

• exercising 

• practicing mindfulness 

• getting enough sleep 

• talking openly about emotions.  

Teens facing stress, anxiety, or peer pressure also need alternative ways to handle tough situations. Encourage your teen to explore sports, music, volunteering, or creative hobbies as positive outlets. As a parent, teach your teen to combat stress by engaging in physical or creative activities like going for a run or playing guitar. 

4. Social Media & Pop Culture Influence 

From viral TikTok challenges to influencers, underage teens frequently see a glamorized version of underage drinking. In movies and TV shows, underage drinking is typically shown without long-term consequences, making it seem like a harmless part of growing up.  

Whether or not you see the effects of underage drinking on your screen, the reality is that teens can be heavily affected for up to 72 hours after drinking. Parents and mentors can help teens analyze media messages critically. Ask questions like, “What do you think happens after the scene ends?” to encourage deeper thinking about the risks involved with underage alcohol consumption.  

5. Lack of Boundaries & Guidance 

In households where adults drink regularly, teens might believe that experimenting isn’t a big deal. Being a good role model for teens is an important way for parents to support teen alcohol use prevention.  

Teens lacking clear rules or open conversations about underage drinking may assume their parents aren’t very concerned if they try alcohol. Be sure your teens know how you define acceptable behavior and that you’re on their side even if they make a mistake. Making sure your teens know your family rules and why they matter ensures they don’t have to guess where you stand on underage drinking. 

Don’t forget too that scare tactics often backfire, making teens more likely to rebel or dismiss warnings as exaggerations. This is especially true if peers or irresponsible adults in their lives haven’t faced similar experiences.  

Instead, share real facts and statistics about the effects of underage drinking on their brain, body and general wellbeing. Teens value truth and honesty as well as being trusted to make the right choices. 

Preventing Underage Drinking Through Conversation 

The best way to understand why teens experiment with underage drinking is to start the conversation. Research shows that when parents and trusted adults talk openly about underage drinking, teens are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.  

Preventing underage drinking isn’t about one big talk. It’s about ongoing discussions and building trust over the years. To help make these conversations easier, we offer conversation cards for parents and for teens, as well as webinars on the latest trends in teen alcohol prevention.  

Start the Conversation Today! 

Whether you’re a teen navigating social pressures or a parent setting boundaries, keeping communication open is key. Start the conversation today and help create a safer, healthier future for teens.