There is an epidemic plaguing the world that is more dangerous than the typical virus. This virus is not contagious, but it affects the lives of people indirectly. This virus is teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Though it is not a literal virus, it usually results in devastation for families and friends of teens that partake of alcohol. The body, in adolescence, cannot handle the effects of alcohol on even a small scale; so as a result, it takes less alcohol to impair judgment. Usually this lapse in judgment affects decision making, from driving under the influence, to participating in unprotected sex. Even though one teen may be partaking in alcoholic beverages, anyone around them is a potential victim to the effects of their bad decisions.
Some countries do not have a drinking age. Although the U.S. and Canada have considered this idea, it has been shot down. Teens in these countries are just unable to control their consumption. Other countries, such as Italy and France, have no such laws about teen drinking. As a result, teens grow up around alcohol, so there is no fascination with it. Tell any teen that they can’t have something, and they are likely to want it even more. The same holds true for drinking alcohol. When given the chance, adolescents take advantage of alcohol, to their own detriment.
Sadly, each year, about 5,000 teens die from underage drinking. 1,900 of these deaths are vehicle related, proving how the impaired judgment that teens experience under the influence, really affects those around them too. What are some ways that parents can help their teens to avoid alcohol? Some parents, unfortunately, don’t take enough interest in the welfare of their teens. They leave hard liquor, beer and wine out where it is available to their kids. This can be easily avoided by installing a liquor cabinet with a good lock system. This is just one way that parents can do help to keep their teenage prescription drug abuse and drinking alcohol. There is only one case where teen drinking is actually legal, under parental supervision. This is often a wise idea, much like the way Italy and France (just examples) have a light view of alcohol, parents can convey this attitude as well. Make your teens see that alcohol is just another beverage, something to be consumed in moderation. Hopefully they will learn not to overindulge when consuming alcohol as adults.
