Study: Underaged drinking on the decline

A new government study finds that underage drinking is on the decline, but it may not be all good news.

According to the report, drinking amongst americans between ages 12 and 20 dropped 6% percent between 2002 and 2013. This, while underage binge-drinking fell more than 5% percent.

Cynthia Shifler from the Wicomico County Health Department says while these number appear promising, it could be a sign that more people are turning to other drugs. This means they could be combining the use of drugs and alcohol and becoming less dependent on drinking.

“I think the issue is that we need to stop looking at drug use  whether its alcohol or other drugs as its okay to do. ‘They’re young, it’s a right of passage, they’re going to do that’…they’re doing it differently today.” Says Shifler.

The Maryland Department Of Health And Mental Hygiene reports that the number of heroin-related overdose deaths increased by 18% in 2013.