Alcohol is the drug choice amongst most young kids. Many young people are facing the consequences of drinking too much, at too early of an age. As a result, underage drinking is a leading health issue in this country. Three main reasons kids feel the need to drink under age are: peer pressure, hereditary/environmental factors, and of course curiosity. Teenagers are always trying something different or new. Unfortunately, alcohol is one of the “cool” things to do. Most students who enter college in the United States are around the age of eighteen. Teens find a new kind of freedom on college campus away from their guardian’s eyes. Being away from home gives these students the freedom to make their own decisions, regarding school, their finances, …show more content…
During teen years, approval by peers is an essential part of the way young people comprehend their identity and understand themselves. Peer pressure is not always bad though; such as when a student wants to do well in school or sports because their friends influence them positively. Peer pressure can also have severe harmful consequences when teens are pressured by their peers to do risky things, such as drinking alcohol. Peers act as a role model by introducing, supplying, or pressuring perilous activities to other peers. By modeling these behaviors to their peers, college students are viewing alcohol use as an optimistic and socially acceptable practice. However, what college students fail to take into consideration is the negative consequences. For example, alcohol leads to laziness, depression, or poor decisions in general. Active offers of alcohol is the most common form of peer pressure. These offers occur from a simple gesture to encourage non-drinkers to drink. For example, being offered an alcoholic beverage, being bought a drink, or having your glass or cup refilled with out having to ask. Being a non-drinker at a party or social group is an easy target for drink offers and teasing from their peers. Most kids are worried about making friends when they step into college, making it harder to resist the alcohol