Increasing Tax On Alcohol May Not Help Lower Underage Drinking

1. Increasing Tax On Alcohol May Not Help Lower Underage Drinking Increasing Tax On Alcohol May Not Help Lower Underage Drinking Despite the minimum legal drinking age of 21 years in most of the United States, teens and youngsters consume alcohol. As per the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 488,000 youths aged 12 to 17 had a past year alcohol use disorder (AUD). The most widely used substance of abuse among the American youth, underage drinking is a serious health problem in the country. While preventing underage drinking may seem like a challenging task, some experts feel increasing taxes can help reduce the number of violators. However, according to a recent report, an increase in taxes on alcohol and tobacco in Maryland had an adverse impact on alcohol and tobacco use among adults across the state. The commissioned by the Abell Foundation, also discovered the impact the increase in taxes had on consumption among the state youths. As per the report, a relative increase in alcohol prices across the state general decrease in alcohol-related diseases, violence, crime and traffic crashes. study, alcohol saw a Higher taxes to decrease binge drinking, DUI The study examined two laws affecting these products – the Transportation and State Investment Act of 2007 and the Sales and Use Tax - Alcoholic Beverages - Tax Rates Supplementary Appropriation Act of 2011. According to it, while the excise tax on alcohol had been stable for over 45 years, the 2011 law increased the alcohol sales tax rate to 9 percent. Following an increase, the state saw a decrease in binge drinking among students and adults. According to the report, the 17 percent reduction observed among Maryland adults between 2011 and 2016 was greater than 6 percent reduction observed nationally. The report also noted that increase in taxes on alcohol also had an inverse effect on youth alcohol abuse. As per the report, between 2011 and 2015, there was a 26 percent reduction in percentage of Maryland high school students consuming alcohol in the preceding 30 days, 28 percent reduction in binge drinking and 31 percent reduction in students writing in vehicles operated by a drunk driver. www.teenagealcoholrehabcenters.com

2. In addition to documenting a decrease in alcohol consumption among youths and adults, the report also documented that the 2011 alcohol sales tax increase resulted in a decrease in sexually-transmitted infections and alcohol-positive drivers. The report also points out that ever since the tax increases went into effect, there has been a continued decline in the number of smokers too. Teen & alcohol abuse In addition to developing alcohol dependence or abuse later in life, youths who drank alcohol were more likely to experience physical problems such as illnesses and hangovers, disruption in normal growth and sexual development, long-term changes in the brain, memory issues, abuse of other drugs and even, death from alcohol poisoning. In general, youth who indulged in binge drinking experienced these problems in greater number than those who did not binge drink. Regardless of the drinker’s age or drinking status, underage drinking affects everyone and may result in injuries, violence, aggressive behavior, property damage and even deaths. Let’s start talking Teens drink alcohol for various reasons. Regardless of the reasons for alcohol abuse, those who misuse addictive substances early in life put themselves at a greater risk of short- and long-term consequences, including chronic health issues, mental health problems, brain damage, suicide and/or self-harm and alcohol and/or drug dependency in later life. If you have a teen who may be addicted to alcohol, don’t hesitate to call Teenage Alcohol Rehab Centers, your trusted source of information pertaining to teen alcohol-related issues. We can help you or your loved one find the finest teen & alcohol abuse treatment programs basis your needs and help you locate one of the best alcohol rehab centers for teens near you. Call at our 24/7 alcohol treatment helpline (866) 238-8962 for any treatment-related queries. www.teenagealcoholrehabcenters.com