Choosing to Live Alcohol-Free – Varsity Education

Choosing to Live Alcohol-Free

Alcohol Use

Main Idea: Several factors influence teen alcohol use.

Alcohol use by responsible adults is legal. Anyone who drinks alcohol, however, increases the risk of the negative consequences. One consequence of alcohol use is psychological dependence, a condition in which a person believes that a drug is needed in order to feel good or to function normally. Overuse of alcohol can lead to a physiological dependence, a condition in which the user has a chemical need for a drug.

Factors that Influence Alcohol Use

A teen’s choices about alcohol use are influenced by:

Peer Pressure. When alcohol use is not an accepted activity in a group, a teen will not feel pressure to drink.
Family. When a teen’s parents discourage and avoid the use of alcohol, the teen is more likely to do the same.
Media Messages. Media messages may make alcohol use seem glamorous and fun.

Companies that produce alcohol spend billions of dollars each year to associate their product with youthful, healthy people who seem to be having fun. These companies advertise in ways that are visible to teens and children, on billboards, TV, and radio, and in magazines and newspapers. Alcohol companies also sponsor sporting events, music concerts, art festivals, exhibits, and college events. Manufacturers and advertisers, however, never show consumers the negative side of alcohol use.

Alcohol companies target teens and young adults by marketing beverages that appear safer than other alcoholic beverages. These drinks are sweet and look similar to non-alcoholic carbonated beverages. In reality, these beverages contain alcohol.

Health Risks of Alcohol Use

Alcohol can harm more than just your health.

In the United States, nearly 36 people die each day as a result of alcohol-related traffic collisions. Alcohol use is linked to deaths from drowning, fire, suicide, and homicide. A nondrinker’s risk of being injured increases if the friends that person is with are drinking.

Alcohol and the Law

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy, possess or consume alcohol. For teens who break the law, the consequences can be very serious. Teens who use alcohol can be arrested and sentenced to a youth detention center. Any arrest and conviction can affect a teen’s future. An arrest can limit college and employment options. Breaking the law can also damage a teen’s reputation and cause that teen to lose the trust of friends and family members.

Alcohol and Violence

Teens can protect their health by avoiding situations where alcohol is present. Fights are more likely to break out at parties where alcohol is used. Teens who are involved in fights face school or police disciplinary action. Teens who drink are also more likely to be victims or perpetrators of violent crimes, such as rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. It is estimated that alcohol use is a factor in one-third to two- thirds of sexual assaults or date rape cases.

Alcohol and Sexual Activity

Alcohol impairs judgment and lowers inhibitions, and can cause a person to compromise his or her values. Teens who use alcohol are more likely to become sexually active at an earlier age, and to engage in unprotected sexual activity. Approximately 23 percent of sexually active teens use alcohol or drugs before engaging in sexual activity. Teens who drink often are twice as likely to contract an STD as teens who do not drink.

Alcohol and the Family

It is estimated that 25 percent of all youth are exposed to alcohol abuse-the excessive use of alcohol within their families. Young people who live in a household in which a family member abuses alcohol are at a high risk for

neglect, abuse, or social isolation.
economic hardship.
personal use of alcohol themselves, mental illness or physical problems.

Studies show that a person who begins drinking alcohol as a teen is four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than someone who waits until adulthood to use alcohol. This dependence, called alcoholism, is a disease in which a person has a physical or psychological dependence on drinks that contain alcohol.

Alcohol and School

Most schools have adopted a zero-tolerance policy for students found using alcohol on school property. Students who use alcohol may become ineligible for or be suspended from school activities or graduation, or expelled from school. These students could also be placed in an alternate education program. Ultimately, a student may find that his or her options for choosing a college or job may be limited.

Avoiding Alcohol

Main Idea: You will experience many benefits if you choose to live alcohol free.

Living alcohol-free is a choice that some adults make. Many other adults choose to drink alcohol occasionally and responsibly. Alcohol is addictive, and once you start drinking, it may be difficult to stop. Teens who start drinking by age 15 are five times more likely to become dependent on alcohol than people who do not start drinking until age 21.

Benefits of Living Alcohol Free

Many teens make the commitment to stay alcohol-free. Avoiding alcohol will help you with the following:

Maintaining a Healthy Body. You will avoid the damage alcohol can do to the brain and body organs and decrease the likelihood of being injured in an accident.
Establishing Healthy Relationships. You can be open and honest with your family about your activities and habits.
Making Healthy Decisions. Avoiding intoxication will allow you to make decisions that protect your health.
Avoiding Risky Behaviors. You will reduce the risk of making unhealthy choices, such as drinking and driving.
Avoiding Illegal Activities. You can avoid arrest and legal problems by being alcohol-free. Purchasing or possessing alcohol is against the law for anyone under 21.
Avoiding Violence. Avoiding alcohol reduces your risk of being a victim of or participating in a violent crime.
Achieving Your Goals. Being alcohol-free allows you to stay focused on your short-term and long-term goals.

Refusing Alcohol

At times, it may be difficult to avoid situations in which you are pressured to use alcohol. Saying no is much easier when you know how you will respond before you are faced with the situation. If you find yourself in a situation where alcohol is present, be assertive and use refusal skills. Call your parents or another trusted adult for a ride home, if needed. Here are some examples of refusal statements:

“I don’t like the taste.”

“No, thanks. I need to be in top shape for the game this week.”

“I don’t drink alcohol. Besides, I’m heading home.”

“I really can’t. My parents would be angry. We have an agreement.”

“I don’t want to risk getting kicked off the team.”

Another strategy to avoid alcohol use is to plan alcohol free activities with friends. Avoid parties or social gatherings where alcohol is served. Practice your refusal skills to build confidence when you are with peers who may use alcohol.