March 23, 2007
Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking
Underage1 alcohol consumption in the United States is a widespread and persistent public health and safety problem that creates serious personal, social, and economic consequences for adolescents, their families, communities, and the Nation as a whole. Alcohol is the drug of choice among America’s adolescents, used by more young people than tobacco or illicit drugs (Johnston et al. 2006a; Johnston et al. 2006b; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] 2006). The prevention and reduction of underage drinking and treatment of underage youth2 with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are therefore important public health and safety goals. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking seeks to engage all levels of government as well as individuals and private sector institutions and organizations in a coordinated, multifaceted effort to prevent and reduce underage drinking and its adverse consequences.