Numbers show underage drinking is decreasing in Napa Valley

Officials from the Napa County, California Office of Education say that despite a high percentage of underage drinking, the occurrence is decreasing, the Napa Valley Register reports.

According to the the 2009 California Health Kids Survey, nearly 68 percent of 11th grade students had consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime. However, officials told the news source that this number was 2 percent lower than the 2005 figures.

Officials added that media, culture and general societal attitudes toward alcohol may play a role in underage drinking. Furthermore, more violent acts, teen pregnancies and car accidents among adolescents have been attributed to the use of alcohol than any other drug.

Teen boarding schools can help individuals who suffer from alcohol abuse or choose to engage in risky behavior, such as underage drinking. Programs are designed to help adolescents improve their behavior and achieve success.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol plays a part in nearly 41 percent of all motor vehicle accidents among teens.