Binge drinking is common among South Carolina youth as it is across the rest of the nation. Unfortunately, the problem of underage drinking is not always taken seriously by adults.

There have been increased numbers of deaths related to binge drinking reported on our college campuses. A study has shown that binge drinking is most common among people between the ages of 18 and 34, and the vast majority of underage drinking is related in some manner to binge drinking.

So how teenagers are getting a hold of the alcohol to begin with? In almost all circumstances the liquor was supplied by an adult that was willing to buy for the youths, a negligent adult that left the alcohol out unattended, or a store clerk that failed to check a youth's ID.

Binge drinking can lead to a number of problems including alcohol poisoning. It also leads to a number of other behavioral problems that are unfortunately common among youth.

A little known phenomenon is that approximately half of all drivers pulled over for drinking related offenses were binge drinkers rather than alcoholics. However, those that engaged in binge drinking while young often become alcoholics later in life.

The key point is that criminal penalties such as fines or incarceration will have little effect on teenagers that drink. Jail time may only exasperate the problem. There are plenty of resources out there that can help troubled youth who are struggling with a drug or alcohol dependency. Those that engage in underage drinking do not need to be punished. What they do need is compassion, help in locating such resources and good advice.

Source: PostBulletin.com, "Our View: Statistics on binge drinking are cause for concern," Jan. 23, 2012