Teenage Drinking

Alcohol consumption has always been associated with various types of risks and dangers. Not only is there is a risk of a drinker turning into an alcoholic, he is also more likely to suffer from a number of other problems like cancer, liver cirrhosis, stroke and even birth defects. However, a problem that has been noticed to be raising its ugly head, in relation to alcohol consumption, is that of teenage drinking. More and more teenagers, in the age of group of 13 to 20, are turning towards alcohol and in the process, creating a dangerous future for themselves.

 

Earlier thought to be a western phenomenon, teen drinking is slowly being noticed in India also. Infact, alcohol consumption in the country has been found to be on the rise, especially with the opening up of the society. Many-a-times, it has been seen that it is the parents, mainly father, who introduce their children to alcohol at a very early age. Their main argument is that through this, they are trying to educate their children about alcohol. At the same time, they feel that of they say no to drinking by their kids, the kids will end up drinking much more with their friends.

 

Though the point of view of parents is acceptable or justified to some extent, it is not the solution to the problem of alcoholism. There have been many instances where people, who were introduced to alcohol by their parents in teenage, have ended up being addicts. Counselors and psychological have suggested that instead of introducing kids to alcohol, parents should try to involve them in other adventure activities, like adventure sports, which gives them a high. In case they do allow their kids to taste a drink, it should not be before 18 and after inculcating a sense of responsibility in them. The rest, only time will tell!

 

Effects of Teenage Drinking