CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Excessive drinking contributes to over 50 causes of death in the United States. Recent studies show Illinois teens are drinking nearly twice the national average, increasing their risk for health problems.

"This year, there were a couple of concerning trends, primarily with eighth graders. So, the reason this is important is that if you use drugs before age 14 or 15, you have a higher likelihood of becoming addicted later on in life," University of Illinois professor Doug Smith said.

Smith is a professor of social work and the director of prevention research development. The Illinois Youth Survey is conducted every two years; the most recent study uses data from 2024, and the upcoming study will use data from 2026. Researchers found that eighth graders are using

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