Katie Cooper November 9, 2013 Effects of Drinking at a Young Age

“Teens who start drinking before age 15 years are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after the legal age of 21.” Therefore the effects of drinking at a young age can lead to the loss of respect. Alcohol is becoming increasingly easy to get for teenagers. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, almost 80% of high school students have tried alcohol. This can led to getting arrested and charged with underage. Drinking can also cause drunk driving which can led to death or serious injuries. Family and friends may lose respect for the teens who drink. The kids now a days of no idea what they are getting themselves into. Starting at a young age can cause so many problems with everything including health and long term effects. Drug and alcohol abuse not only affects the person who’s drinking, but also your family. There’s loss of respect from your family, your teachers can also lead to violence may become violent or your family members may including slapping, hitting or smashing or throwing objects. Drinking at a young age can lead to others treating you differently. “A loud party was taking place at an apartment at 2:05 a.m. July 1 2013. Police were called to the area and heard a loud stereo. Upon approaching the party, several individuals, who were under the legal drinking limit, were found to be allegedly drinking alcohol. Police arrested three and 18-year-old Ryan Road man, an 18-year-old North Olmsted resident and a 19-year-old Wadsworth man and charged each with underage consumption of alcohol.” The three kids received court dates, which lead them to lose each other as friends. Each of the children’s parents didn’t want their child to hang out with the other teenagers any more. Drinking can cause the loss of friends and more damage than intended. “Alcohol is a very bad drug. Yes, alcohol is considered a drug. As stated on medicinetnet.com each year, almost 2,000 people under the age of 21 years die in car crashes in which underage drinking is involved. Alcohol is involved in nearly half of all violent deaths involving teens. This fact shows just how horrible the effects of alcohol are. Drunk driving is the largest killer of teens.” Alcohol can lead to death because the person