New Study: Underage Alcohol-Related Injuries Double Over July 4 Weekend

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed the number of emergency room visits involving underage drinkers nearly doubles over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

A breakdown of the numbers indicated visits to the emergency room shoot up 87 percent higher from underage users compared to the average day in July.

Estimates revealed around 502 emergency room visits from underage drinkers on the average day, but 938 for the three day Fourth of July weekend.

The study was developed to help inform policy makers and service providers about the issue. The hope for the study is to help prevent underage drinking.

Read more on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's study