Stunted Growth Concerns / Question
Published: September 9, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Does drinking stunt your growth? I would like to know. I am 5'8 and I was wondering if you think I would grow taller - I am 16 years old. I was also wondering if I can get really sick. I don't drink that much, I usually drink some hard liquor or a colt 40 with my friends and some girls so I was wondering if it will stunt my growing. Thank you.
Signed: Does Drinking Stunt Your Growth?
Dear Does Drinking Stunt Your Growth?,
Your final adult height is determined by three factors: your parents' height, your health status, and your ethnic background. There is no way for us to tell whether alcohol is affecting your growth, although it is unlikely.
Regardless, FX is concerned about your drinking for two reasons. First of all, it is illegal for you to drink until you are 21. This law exists because drinking is something that needs to be handled responsibly and maturely. Read the answer to Concerned About Underage Drinking for more discussion on this. Second, drinking can be dangerous for you, even if you are not an alcoholic. It can affect your ability to make good decisions, and it can be very hazardous if you are driving. We suggest that you read the answer to Alcohol Truths for more information.
If at any time you are concerned about your drinking (or your friends' drinking), we encourage you to talk to a teacher, parent, guidance counselor or doctor.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The teen pregnancy rate in the United States is the highest of any industrialized democracy, nearly twice that of Great Britain and 10 times that of Japan. 
