Underage drinking is a serious problem in the U.S. It can be a threat to a teen’s health and development.

Although the legal drinking age in most states is age 21, many young people start drinking several years before, according to the U.S. surgeon general. The consequences of underage drinking can be serious says Ron Kanwischer, assistant professor of psychiatry and substance abuse counselor at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. He explains when many teens begin drinking.

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Kanwischer says earlier drinking can cause alcohol problems later in life. Of those adults who started drinking before age 15, about 40 percent have signs of alcohol dependency. He explains the negative effects that can be caused by drinking and drug use in the last stages of a young person’s growth and development.

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Kanswischer encourages families to have open conversations about drinking and the medical and legal consequences of it. If someone has a drinking problem and is dependent on alcohol, they should talk to their family physician or a substance abuse counselor.