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Alcohol Discussion

Page history last edited by Naug 10 years, 2 months ago

THE LOWDOWN
Alcohol is a depressant that affects every part of your body. The damage it does now can impact the rest of your life.


AKA:
Drink, booze, brew, hooch, moonshine


WHAT IS IT:
Alcohol is a depressant derived from the natural fermentation of fruits, vegetables and grains. These are brewed and distilled into a wide range of beverages with various alcohol contents.


THE RISKS:
You may hear that it will loosen you up and help you relax. What you may not hear is that it can damage the part of your brain that controls coordination, memory, judgment and decision-making.  Straight up, drinking makes you dumber—you may slur your words and lose coordination, and your reactions will become slower.


If you drink a lot and drink fast (binge drinking) you really put yourself in danger. With binge drinking, the depressant (or dumbing) effects of alcohol can overwhelm the body’s defenses. Unable to move and think clearly, you can do stupid, risky and reckless things that are unsafe, or even lethal. Each year, approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking. This includes about 1,900 deaths from car accidents, 1,600 homicides, 300 suicides, and hundreds of other deaths due to accidents like falls, burns and drownings. 


LONG-TERM EFFECTS:
Alcohol travels through your bloodstream and damages your brain, stomach, liver, kidneys and muscles. As a teenager, your body is still developing, so damage done to it now will affect the rest of your life.   Over time, drinking destroys your body and your looks, so that all of that work you've done to look good, keep strong and stay fit goes down the drain fast.

 

THE BOTTOM LINE:
Yes, it’s legal for people 21 and older. One reason is that alcohol can have seriously dangerous, long-term impacts on a body and brain that are still developing. Also, statistics show that more teens are killed by alcohol than by all illegal drugs combined.

 

PRESSURE METER
The pressure drops when you keep track of the facts.


Teens who abuse alcohol can develop smaller frontal lobes. This part of the brain oversees
emotions, personality, motor function, problem solving, spontaneity, memory, language,
and more.

Alcohol can shrink the hippocampus, the brain area that helps with learning and memory.

Almost half of people who begin drinking before age 15 eventually become an alcoholic.

Studies show that emergency rooms get over 500 underage drinking-related emergency
room visits every day.

The numbers are dropping: Over the last 5 years, teen alcohol abuse has been on the way
down.

In the U.S. alone, about 5,000 people under age 21 die each year from injuries caused by
underage drinking.


Answer this:  Does peer pressure exist about drinking? 

Comments (23)

wikiuser0593 said

at 3:47 pm on Dec 5, 2014

Peer pressure definitely exists about drinking, drinking is something that you usually do with a group of people, so the group factor is there. Obviously not all drinking situations involve peer pressure; however there definitely is a good percentage that do. Typically people want to be cool like their friends, thus peer pressure can play a large role as far as drinking for the first time goes. But I wouldn't say that peer pressure is the number one reason that kids end up drinking; I think the number one reason is that some kids don't involve themselves in activities, therefore they get bored and get mixed up in the wrong crowd. This is what I find usually leads to drinking amongst minors.

wikiuser0602 said

at 7:17 pm on Dec 10, 2014

Of course peer pressure exists about drinking. People are afraid that others will think they aren't cool because they are not drinking. Plus if your group of friends suddenly gets into drinking, they will definitely try to get you to do it. Or if they are at a party and someone hands them a drink, they will most likely drink it. Its also because of the "Just one drink won't do anything wrong" mentality.

wikiuser0591 said

at 3:15 pm on Dec 18, 2014

There is no doubt that peer pressure exists about drinking. At the age we're at today, we feel the need to do everything and anything we can to fit in with those around us. Usually at a party or with friends do you get told to " just do it" " take one sip", And obviously you're going to take that sip. There's always going to be a person to start it, It doesn't just come up randomly and I think that depending on the crowds you can hang with, can determine if you may drink because of peer pressure.

wikiuser0612 said

at 3:55 pm on Dec 28, 2014

I think that peer pressure definitely exists in terms of drinking, or anything for that matter. However, the idea of societal pressure does not stop at a certain age, it only seems to have the most control during the teenage years because people are still trying to discover who they are. This is a dangerous time because people are more likely to succumb to the demands of society and their peers. While they are taught one thing in school about how alcohol and drugs are bad, they can also be exposed to the "good" effects of these substances. If they are not exposed to this, then it is more likely they will not consider drinking, but, over all, it depends on the individual's exposure to the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body. For instance, if it is one of his friends that is drinking, the long terms effects of something like alcoholism are not as prominent as they would be in an adult in his or her late forties. Regardless, the idea of "fitting in" and following (or not following) the actions of the people around you are present in the choice to drink or not.

wikiuser0613 said

at 1:50 pm on Jan 2, 2015

Without a doubt peer pressure exists in our age group or any actually. People seem to put down people who don't want to drink, you're not "cool" or you "can't hang" if you don't. Sometimes i feel like kids our age forget that you can actually have fun being sober and not drinking. I don't see the hype in alcohol what so ever but some people seem to make it as their way of having fun and getting over problems which at our age is probably the WORST way to get over things. I've been around way to many people who have been drunk and honestly most of the time they're annoying and do things that embarrass them and i just don't see the fun in doing things unwillingly.

wikiuser0595 said

at 11:22 am on Jan 6, 2015

Peer pressure takes place more frequently then it should. It takes place a lot with drinking, especially at the age we are at right now . A lot of us are still maturing and want to try new things. Whether you are an adult or under aged. When drinking with a group of people peer pressure is bound to happen. The people around you may be intoxicated, and offer you more and for some people it is hard to say no. They see how it can effect other people temporarily and may look like a good time. Behind all the scenes though, alcohol is hurting peoples bodies significantly. It takes a lot of self discipline to say "no", but those people that do leave positive impacts. Peer pressure happens all around, it solemnly depends upon the person though on the decision they make.

wikiuser0597 said

at 9:23 am on Jan 8, 2015

Peer pressure is a huge part in drinking alcohol. Many teens are peer pressured into drinking because it seems like everyone in highschool is doing it now at any age. Many times it happens when you get together with a group of friends, rarely are you by yourself. It happens when everyone is doing it and it seems like they're having a good time and if you were the one choosing not to do it, you seem like an easy target to many kids to make fun. Or your friends just might beg and do whatever they can to make you drink and eventually you could give in. That's how most kids are peer pressured into drinking. Though it hurts people's bodies most teens are not well educated on the side effects, well long term wise of alcohol abuse. That seems like the biggest problem.

wikiuser0611 said

at 3:28 pm on Jan 8, 2015

Peer pressure is involved with the decision to drink without a doubt. There is always the thought if you don't drink this then what will the rest of the school think about you...they'll spread rumors...what if I do drink? Unfortunately underage people convince themselves that drinking and doing illegal substances result in more friends and popularity. This is more of a self-issue that can be solved, but what can't is when your friends start to ask why you aren't drinking. When the question is brought up, most underaged "adults" don't know what they should say to get out of the situation without losing friends. Then the drink gets handed to them and they feel like "well I might as well so I don't look like an idiot". All there is to is a simple no. It's simple to say that when you're not in the situation, but when you are it's not; that's the problem.

wikiuser0606 said

at 9:38 pm on Jan 8, 2015

Peer Pressure is most certainly involved in drinking. If you see your friends doing it, people get tempted to start themselves. Basically you do not want to feel left out, or the weirdo thats not drinking. I feel that people do judge others for not partaking in drinking at parties, but to me, the people who are not drinking are the responsible/reliable ones. Teens need to understand that it does not matter about what others think of you, as long as you are confident/or safe with your decision, then everything they say is meaningless.

wikiuser0599 said

at 12:02 am on Jan 17, 2015

For sure peer pressure exists about drinking. Without naming names I have been around friends who are drinking and are borderline forcing one of our friends to drink, it was a sad scenario and one I would like to distance myself from. The majority rules when it comes to drinking and if it isn't a religious reason people often question why someone doesn't drink, but never stop to ask if it is because of a person's family history or previous bad experiences. Drinking is a personal choice and should not be forced upon anyone ever, and I hope no one should have to witness one of their friends being bullied into drinking like I did.

wikiuser0610 said

at 10:52 am on Jan 21, 2015

peer pressure still exists but its different now in the sense that there aren't as many people forcing you to drink there are still those people but there less of them now

wikiuser0600 said

at 8:25 am on Jan 22, 2015

Peer pressure most certainly exists with drinking. Peer pressure exists with everything because over time people become so codependent on their groups of friends that they will do nearly anything to please them. They can say, "Come on just do it," or the classic, "Don't be a bitch dude," and after those few simple words you find yourself doing what they want. For a lot of people it is hard to be their own person because they care too much about other peoples' perspectives on them. With drinking if your friends are doing it you most certainly are more likely to do it yourself, or get talked into doing it.

wikiuser0619 said

at 10:52 am on Jan 22, 2015

Of course peer pressure is involved with drinking. People will do anything they could to "fit in", even if it's with a close group of friends that they don't want to become excluded from for choosing not to drink. It is certainly more evident with teenagers because we're young and always looking to try new things. Even though we're taught all of the side effects of alcohol, short-term and long-term, anyone can be pressured into trying it because they don't want to look "soft" or "not cool" in front of their peers. It would make it that much tougher to say no when everyone around you is intoxicated and it looks like they're having a good time.

wikiuser0601 said

at 3:37 pm on Jan 22, 2015

I believe peer pressure is definitely a part of drinking, but it could also have a very small effect as well. It just depends on who we are talking about. For some, they drink on their own. They'll drink to solve or forget problems. Peer pressure has nothing to do with their choice. Others may be pressured to drink, but never give in. For example, I have a very strong willed friend that doesn't give into anything, she is the type to resist this peer pressure. The last, and most common, type of person is one who gives in. Most teens give into the peer pressure of drinking, mostly because it has become so common in high school and college student. So yes, I think peer pressure has a lot to do with drinking.

wikiuser0596 said

at 3:53 pm on Jan 22, 2015

What is High school without drinking!!!!! that is literally all you hear. we have everything from senior shore to just your everyday weekend parties. High school alone is known for the time when teenagers start drinking. Peers will definitely pressure you to do it because its "cool". i don't know i don't really think its too cool to affect your future for one night you won't even remember. But still every year teenagers end up in the hospital or worse, dead. now how cool is that!!!! yeah its not cool. im not saying if you drink once in a while isnt horrible because lets be honest mostly everyone drinks before their 21 its just what happens. what shouldnt happen is every weekend and even for some teenagers on school nights. i cant think of anything i would want to do less than to drink on a school night. i would rather do homework than do that. Alcohol is something you control or it controls you. it can be very dangerous so always remember to drink responsibly.

wikiuser0605 said

at 5:01 pm on Jan 22, 2015

I would think that peer pressure definitely affects you when drinking. Why because there are groups of people out who would do this, Hey would you like to come to a party and drink some cold ones and have a few shots in between. Now from what that just said was if I was in that kind of situation I myself would of said NO, BACK OFF, LEAVE ME ALONE. I'm serious if that ever happens to any one do not be scared do not let them take control of you, its only yourself that controls you. In fact even if you are in a public place DON'T be afraid to ask for help during that type of situation. So I would think peer pressure is a very bad thing and I can take over any body if it can get hands on you. So please just say NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!.

wikiuser0603 said

at 5:03 pm on Jan 22, 2015

Peer pressure is no doubt a thing when it comes to alcohol use. Many high school students do go to parties and drink and no matter who you are, you hear about it. Sooner or later you want to be a part of it and drink at least a little. High school is filled with awkward moments and times where you just want to fit in with all of your peers, and sometimes alcohol enters the picture. Sometimes your best friends can be the worst offenders just because you want to do whatever they do even if it isn't the best of decisions.

wikiuser0615 said

at 7:36 pm on Jan 22, 2015

Peer pressure definitely exists in drinking alcohol. It's all about fitting in and trying to be popular. Many teens go to parties and even though they try to cover it, there is definitely alcohol involved and sometimes too much of it. To not be deemed a "party pooper" many drink and since they don't know their limit they drink until they have a dangerously high BAC, sometimes alcohol poisoning happens. However, sometimes the peer pressure comes from the ones who these teens call "best friends". Since they think that since their friends do it they think it's okay to do it too. A lot of things can influence their dexcision a on drinking alcohol.

wikiuser0608 said

at 1:45 am on Jan 23, 2015

Peer pressure is a huge part when it comes to drinking alcohol. Many teens are terrified of embarrassment, they'll do something theyre not comfortable with just to know their not the outcast. A lot of them dont want to stand out as an individual and be who they want to be but rather what there friends or surroundings make them become instead. Which is disappointing because nobody who follows others goes anywhere besides where that other person is going and for this situation isnt anywhere id want to be.

wikiuser0620 said

at 7:01 pm on Jan 23, 2015

I believe peer pressure to drink is a major part of high school. As students get older, the pressure gets worse. This may be due to pressure to fit in with the crowd and seem older and more sophisticated. A large portion of students drink compared to the amount of students that don't drink. They may think it's easier to do what everyone else is doing instead of sticking to their morals and values. I don't really think there is any way to eradicate peer pressure. With alcohol so prevelant in adult life, many children will also feel peer pressure to drink once they're of age. Unfortunately, it might take drastic measures for someone who drinks underage to stop and realize their limits or that they're not ready for the responsibilities that come with it. In all, I think peer pressure is a very big part of high school despite the negative effects that can occur because of it.

wikiuser0609 said

at 8:31 pm on Jan 23, 2015

Is this even a question? Just joking, but jokes aside, I do believe that peer pressure, without a doubt, exists. Unfortunately for teenagers, we care about every little thing and strive to fit in. When people are drinking and someone invites them to they might refuse at first but once the keep asking, some teens may give in to look cool, not feel embarrassed, etc. Sadly most teens know the problems drinking can cause but they decide to ignore it or just think that it is less of a problem than looking cool in front of others.

wikiuser0618 said

at 11:20 pm on Jan 23, 2015

I believe that peer pressure does exist in drinking. Many people do it to feel cool or to feel part of a group. It mostly happens to teenager because they just want to be included and not left out. They also want to just try drinking and experience what it feels like to be drunk.

Naug said

at 8:25 am on Jan 28, 2015

Thank you for sharing. Peer pressure only has as much power as you are willing to give it -

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