WASHINGTON, DC — The recent release by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration of the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows some promising statistics regarding underage drinking.  Comparing 2004-05 to 2005-06 data, several states experienced a significant decrease in their rate of past month alcohol consumption among persons aged 12-20, while other states had a significant decrease in the rate of binge drinking reported by their youth. 

Utah had the lowest percentage of 12-20 year olds that reported alcohol consumption over the past month, with 21.5 percent of youths stating that they had done so.  Additionally, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin all experienced significant decreases in the number of underage youth that responded they had consumed alcohol during the previous 30 days.

Wisconsin was also one of the top three states to experience a significant decrease in the rate of binge drinking among 12-20 year olds.  Iowa and South Dakota had a significant decrease in the rate of binge drinking by their state’s youth as well, while Georgia had the lowest rate of underage binge drinking in the nation, with 15.2 percent.

The new data shows that there are very few outlying states, and that local and state initiatives, coupled with Federal and privately-funded programs, are continuing to educate and have a positive impact on underage drinking.

The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Future Brands LLC; Hood River Distillers.; Sidney Frank Importing Co. Inc.; are dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.  The Council will continue its comprehensive efforts to ensure that underage drinking continues to decline.  

For more information on The Century Council and its educational programs, log onto www.centurycouncil.org.

CONTACT: Matthew Harakal
The Century Council
via email