Just because it is seen on store shelves doesn't mean it's harmless.
Problems
Substance Abuse / alcohol
You misjudge its use
According to a study conducted by the NIAAA, nearly half of all teenagers have had a drink before they reach 8th grade, and 20% confess to have been drunk.
I conducted a high school survey and found that out of 53 teenagers, 21% of them have drank. The average age for this first-time use was only 14 years old.
How and why?
The most interesting thing I discovered from discussions and my surveys is that the two leaders in how a teenager will get alcohol is from friends and parents—yes that is correct, I did say parents. It's bad enough that the media glorifies alcohol, but there are some irresponsible parents out there showing the same thing.
The reasons why so many teenagers turn to alcohol is a bit vague but predictable. It's curiosity, peer pressure, and the fact that “everyone is doing it.”
But everyone is not doing it! Teenagers misjudge how many of their peers are actually drinking. Teenagers are good liars. They can over exaggerate a story about how much they drank last weekend just to fit in with the crowd. So when another teen hears this, they think that drinking is the “in thing”, even though they probably never witnessed it.
The dangers
We all know the common dangers of alcohol: the weakened judgment, lack of coordination, and poor vision. However, people seem to overlook the fact that these dangers can kill you and others. If it doesn't kill you, it can ruin your life.
- Drinking and inexperienced driving does not mix
I don't care how old you are, nobody can drink and drive safely. - Suicide
Alcohol is a depressant, which could increase the likelihood of thinking about a suicide attempt. NIAAA reports that 37% of 8th grade females who drank heavily have attempted suicide. - Violence and Sex
Alcohol can make you do some crazy things because you can't think clearly. Safeyouth.org reports that over 90% of teens who drink regularly do things that put them and others at risk. These actions could include using drugs, being involved in fights, carrying a weapon, having unsafe sex, or risk being involved with sexual assault. - Dependency
Alcohol is addicting. A teen that starts drinking at an early age is more likely to develop alcohol dependency. I mentioned earlier that the survey I conducted showed 14 as the average age for first-time use. That's pretty early don't you think?
Social Excuses
Alcohol seems to be the hardest thing to control because it is more socially accepting and easily accessible than other substances. Unlike other drugs, Alcohol can clearly be seen on store shelves. It can be seen in your home refrigerator or cabinet. This open exposure can cause a temptation for teenagers curious about its effect.
Start thinking like a parent
As parents, you need to be curious too. Get involved with your children and know the activities they are doing; but be careful not to promote bad activities through your actions. In other words: be responsible. You're the adult.
I had one teenager note: “A good parent acts more like parents than friends.”
This is so true. For your children's sake, be a good influence—be a parent.
