Studies throughout the scientific and health industries have examined the prevalence of binge drinking among different sectors of the population and the negative effects from this activity. Among adolescents, it is known to hamper development of the brain. Among young adults, it can interfere with the ability to perform on the job or in college classes.

Whether the individual taking part in this activity is a young adult, adolescent or even an older adult, binge drinking is still a life-threatening activity. According to a KTIV report, binge drinking is a habit that has spread like wildfire among teenagers in South Dakota. A recent survey shows 25 percent have reported binge drinking in the previous month and nearly 50 percent have tried smoking cigarettes.

These findings are among many surprising revelations from the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Report produced by the state Education Department. Students in the 9th through 12th grades among public, private and Bureau of Indian Education schools were randomly selected to participate.

Of those high school students who participated in the survey, many also participated in other risky behaviors. In fact, 22 percent said they had ridden in a vehicle in the previous month whose driver had been drinking. Another 47 percent reported having sexual intercourse at least once and 23 percent reported watching at least three hours of television every day.