New york and new jersey see above-average underage drinking rates, report finds

New York and New Jersey see above-average underage drinking rates, report finds

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1 min read
December 19, 2025

ALBANY, N.Y. – A new analysis of national health data shows that New York and New Jersey both exceed the U.S. average for alcohol use among minors, with experts warning that the numbers highlight a persistent public health concern in the Northeast.

According to a study by The Dawn Rehab, based on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 16.43% of New Yorkers aged 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol in the past month, surpassing the national average of 15.14%. The state’s binge drinking rate among minors—defined as consuming five or more drinks on one occasion—was 9.24%, also above the U.S. average of 8.29%.

New Jersey ranked tenth nationally, with 17.98% of minors reporting alcohol use and 9.06% reporting binge drinking. Pennsylvania, meanwhile, recorded slightly lower levels, with 16.87% of minors reporting use.

While New York’s rate is below the Northeast regional average of 17.56%—and significantly lower than Vermont’s nation-leading 24.66%—officials say the figures still represent hundreds of thousands of underage drinkers across the state.

Health experts warn that early exposure to alcohol increases the risk of addiction, impaired brain development, and other long-term consequences. The report’s authors urged parents, educators, and community leaders to strengthen prevention efforts and expand behavioral health resources for teens.

The data underscores a broader regional pattern, with Northeastern states consistently reporting higher rates of youth alcohol consumption compared with other parts of the country.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

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