Underage drinking is a large part of the drunk driving dilemma. Teenagers' tendency to drink alcohol despite laws prohibiting sale of alcohol to minors, combined with their relative lack of experience at driving produces a dangerous combination. Drunk driving is the leading cause of death among teenagers.

Why do teenagers drink? There are many answers to this question, none of which are the "right" answer. One should remember that teenage life is one of the most stressful periods of life. There are changes going on around the teenager at every turn. They begin to hold more and more responsibilities. A lot is expected of them. All this stress, when taken into account with lack of experience, and often a lack of education, can lead to poor decisions.

Peer pressure. Everyone has heard this term. Many have heard it so often, they think it is just an overused buzzword. But you never really think much of the term until a drink is thrust into your hand at a party by your best friend. Sure, you think you can say no. Have you tried it? At a weekend drug retreat, the teenaged participants were asked to individually look into the eyes and say "no" to every other person in the group. It seemed silly, but many simply could not reject their peers. It was difficult for them to get the word out of their throat. Some even broke down crying before the end of the exercise. Peer pressure seems like a silly thing to many, but it should be taken with all seriousness. To find out how to use peer pressure in a positive way, see Chapter 4

There are many other reasons that teens drink alcohol, though. For some, the sheer fact that drinking is illegal makes them do it. Some are influenced by role models through their parents, their friends, or movie and television characters. Some thinks it make them more attractive, popular, or funny. Some do it to relieve stress, anxiety, loneliness, rejection, depression, or any other of the strong emotions which often dominate teenage life.

And, some teenagers are actually addicted to alcohol. Alcohol addiction is not instantaneous, it takes time to build up the tolerance, and eventually, the dependance on the drug. However, that time is significantly less for teenagers and children than it is for adults. For teenagers, it can take as little as one to two years to become dependent on alcohol. Alcoholism takes the alcoholic's control away. The alcoholic can no longer control how much he or she drinks, or what he or she does while drinking. The alcoholism takes over the person.

Teen drinking is a serious problem, and it must be addressed. Many programs have been put intoo action to help stop this problem, and they are somewhat effective -- the number of alcohol-related fatalities has been declining... slowly.

Underage Drinking The legal drinking age in every state in the U.S.A. is 21. Serving, purchasing, or allowing youth under 21 to consume alcohol is illegal.

Peer Pressure Peer pressure is a natural, and not necessarily negative, need for somebody to conform to their peer group -- a group of similarly aged friends. This pressure is strongest in adolescents, who use the guidance of their peers to shape their own individual personality.