Most underage alcohol consumption occurs at home, with parents knowledge

A survey carried out from 2006 to 2009 was published Thursday this month by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The study revealed that just under 6 percent of teens had consumed alcohol in the last month. That converts to over 700,000 kids between the ages of 12 and 14 years old.

The survey found that under 7 percent of this group bought the liquor themselves from either stores or bars. The other teens were able to access the alcohol at no cost from a variety of sources including other minors, adults who were both related and unrelated, and their house.

Just under 45 percent of the group received their liquor from their house or relatives.

SAMHSA has found that providing youth with alcohol greatly increases their chances of developing alcohol problems and many times may lead to addiction.

Underage alcohol consumption leads to 5,000 deaths of individuals younger than 21. It has also been shown to cause an increase in being involved with physical and/or sexual abuse and recreational drug use.

Experts suggest that guardians monitor the alcohol in their homes to reduce any potential underage consumption.