Alcohol has been around for ages, but only relatively recently has become a recognized problem in society. Its negative effects on the body and its impact on the mind has caused the drug to be associated with such crimes as rape, murder, and other violence. Concerns with alcoholism and drunk driving are on the rise, and underage drinking rates are soaring. Whether for the better or for the worse, alcohol is a driving factor in America's economy and society, which makes it very important that everyone is educated about this drug.Since alcohol is a legal drug, it is one of the most widely used and most accepted drugs available. Whether used for social reasons, as an answer to problems, or as a casual everyday drink, its use is prevalent all over the US. Decisions about drinking begin at a very young age, as one-third of 4th graders and more than half of 6th graders say they have been pressured by friends to drink alcohol. On average, young people begin drinking at about age 13, but some start even younger. By the time they are high school seniors, more than 80 percent have used alcohol and approximately 64 percent have been drunk. When adolescents move on to college, they bring their drinking habits with them: more than 40 percent of college students are binge drinkers. In 1998, 10.4 million current drinkers were under legal age (age 12-20). Of these, 5.1 million were binge drinkers, including 2.3 million heavy drinkers. Some teens, especially on college campuses, find drinking to be just something fun and acceptable to do with their friends, and spend weekend nights at parties where binge drinking is the norm. These teens find that alcohol is not only the "cool thing to do," but also that after drinking they begin to ease off on their inhibitions, causing them to feel possibly more accepted by others, more relaxed, and not so worried about what others think, which is quite a boost for those with low self esteem. Other teens use drinkin...
