Posts Tagged ‘Teens Alcohol’

In Michigan, the most popular drug choice of teens may not be what you think: alcohol.  Although many people fail to see alcohol as a drug, it is just as powerful as any other drug even though it is legalized.  In fact, the reason that alcohol is one of the most popular drugs among teens is because it is legal and thus does not hold the same stigma as other drugs.  However, even though it may be socially acceptable, drinking at a young age can have the same disastrous results as any other drug use because it is addictive and is the number one killer out of all drugs.

There are many reasons for this statement, one of which is the fact that teens hide alcohol abuse in the same manner that they would hide drug abuse due to the fact that they are afraid to get caught.  As a result, they are more likely to drive drunk, become deeply intoxicated beyond return since they do not know their limits, and are more likely to exhibit depressive behavioral while drinking.  In fact, there is a very high rate of juvenile DUIs within the state of Michigan as well as underage drinking arrests.

In fact, a recent survey in the state of Michigan found that about 82% of all high school seniors had consumed alcohol in 2003.  More surprising to many parents may be the fact that almost 30% of sixth graders also have consumed alcohol recreationally.  This is due to the fact that children see it advertised on television and observe their parents drinking the powerful drug and thus wants to experience it on their own to see what being ‘drunk’ really feels like and experience the euphoria that adults on television shows seem to enjoy.

Outside of the media and social culture that surrounds alcohol; peer pressure is another large factor in why teens choose to consume alcohol without a second thought.  This is due to the fact that others their age may pressure them to ease up and just try some, but under the wrong circumstances teens can become easily addicted and find they are unable to stop drinking.