Press Release 7-2010
A writer recently asked a 20 year old male, to discuss his perceptions
and experiences regarding alcohol during his young adult years.
Five relevant questions were asked and answered:
1.Q: Why do young adults participate in alcohol use (consumption),
alcohol abuse, and binge drinking?
A: Young adults who are in college or entered the work force,
use and abuse alcohol because they typically don’t view
alcohol as a “drug”. It is accepted by our society
and is available in families, colleges, the work place, stores,
supermarkets and gas stations. It is very easy to obtain alcohol
without proof of the age of 21.
2.Q: Why do young adults binge drink?
A: Young adults binge drink because they learn to associate
“drinking” with adult behaviors, socially acceptable
behaviors, socially expected behaviors, partying or having
fun. Beer is sold at football stadiums and other sporting
events, making it even more acceptable and associating it
with “having a good time.” People want to feel
good and have a good time. One drink turns into more drinks.
Some adults drink too much to try to prove they can handle
alcohol to their friends. Sometimes getting “wasted”
is just part of being a young adult.
3.Q: Do young adults talk about or worry about the effects
of alcohol on their brain or body?
A: Not usually. They are aware of the possible effects of
alcohol, but it’s not an issue. Most people do not know
about the developing brain or the effects of alcohol on the
brain.
4.Q: Do most young adults agree with the age of 21 as the
legal drinking age?
A: No. The young adults I know believe that if you can fight
for your country, then you can drink. If you can vote for
the president or all other elected officials, then you can
drink. If you can work, support yourself, and pay taxes, then
you can drink. Most young adults who are in college or who
are employed believe a disparity exists between 21, the legal
age of drinking and the legal age of adulthood which is 18
years old.
5.Q: Have you ever known friend who obviously had a drinking
problem? If so, what did you do?
A: Yes, I have a friend who is definitely an alcoholic. I
talked with the person. All our friends have talked with the
person. There is very little that we can do to help a friend,
except to point out their problem. Each person or alcoholic
needs to be ready and willing to get help or go to rehab,
before real progress or change can occur.
In summary, adult “underage drinking” or alcohol
use is still a common occurrence in the daily or weekly lives
of most young adults under the age of 21, especially college
aged young adults. There are societal norms and college norms
associated with alcohol drinking and binge drinking, making
it difficult to raise concern for this behavior. Most young
adults do not know how to help a friend struggling with alcohol
addiction. When alcohol use becomes alcohol abuse or addiction,
most young adults are unsure as to how to approach the issue.
Most young adults are not well informed about the potential
brain damage, as a result of alcohol use, abuse, and alcohol
addiction.
If you are a friend or family member of a teen struggling
with alcohol abuse, call now for help at
our toll free teen addiction treatment center helpline:
1-888-757-6237
or e-mail
us. Inspirations for Youth and Families aka, Inspirations
Teen Rehab is here to help your teen and your family
through this difficult process.
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If you have any questions, please
know that we are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week
for your support and guidance. We welcome the opportunity
to answer your questions about teen behavior, substance
use, adolescent addiction, teen drug rehab, or other
related matters. If
you would prefer, you may fill out our short form and
one of our counselors will respond. |
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