Analysis Shows Teen Alcohol Use Declining To New Lows

Monitoring the Future, an ongoing study of behavior, attitude, and values of youth at the University of Michigan, has recorded a continuous decline of underage alcohol, drug, and tobacco use in its most recent analysis.

The study, which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, showed that the consumption of alcohol in 8^th, 10^th, and 12^th graders has reached historic lows in terms of monthly use and occasions of binge drinking (defined as consuming five or more drinks in a row for two weeks), according to Brewbound.

Within the 30-day period of the analysis, there was a 71 percent decline in drinking among 8^th graders and 54 percent decline among 10^th graders, in comparison to a 30-day period in 1991, and a 51 percent decline for 12^th graders since 1975.

"The findings of this study are encouraging, especially for our industry, which is committed to the prevention of underage drinking," Jim McGreevy, president and CEO of the Beer Institute, said in a statement.

"However, we know that our work and the work of others must continue. We are committed to working with schools, parents, law enforcement, and local leaders to help ensure these rates continue to decline to further reduce underage drinking."