Underage drinking- your thoughts?

If I went to America I'd be under age.... that Sir is crazy. I've been on it since my 16th and that seems like a sensinble limit to me.

I drank before I was old enough. Had some fun. Whatever. Other people are perfectly welcome to do what I did. Some will make idiots out of themselves, but they were probably idiots to start with.

[QUOTE="muthsera666"][QUOTE="GoldenElementXL"]If you are old enough to vote, be tried as an adult, or die for your country you should be able to drink. Either raise those ages to 21 or lower the drinking age to 18. Until then I will be sayin' "That ain't right!"anthonycg

Not exactly; The only reason for those age limits is becase they need a timetable in which you can be sent to county if you break the law, when you can be drafted in times of war and of course jury duty. The drinking limit was set to 21 because the driving age is 18. Frankly I was still immature when I was 18 anyway. I wonder how I'll feel when I'm 30.

I don't care as long as they stay away from me. Never saw the point in it and find the people that do it endlessly frustrating if I'm in any approximation to the people doing it because it seems to be the only thing they live for.

Something like 60% of all teenage driving deaths are alcohol related. So until that drops, I am against underage drinking.

As long as it is not affecting me, I do not care.

So long as no harm is brought to others then idc. That's my opinion on alcohol in general. But once someone crosses that line it pisses me off a LOT.

Many younger kids tend to be very irresponsible with it though, but that's not to say there isn't adults who aren't either. As for the age limit itself I don't think I can make fair judgment on that.

As for the age limit myself I don't think I can make fair judgment on that.

Suzy_Q_Kazoo

[QUOTE="Suzy_Q_Kazoo"]

As for the age limit myself I don't think I can make fair judgment on that.

-Sun_Tzu-

I'm against irresponsible drinking of all ages. Underage drinkers tend to be very irresponsible.foxhound_fox

I'm against irresponsible drinking of all ages. Underage drinkers tend to be very irresponsible.foxhound_fox

I think that since it's not allowed, it makes people think they're that much cooler for getting wasted. My parents aren't that strict with it really.I mean, they'd obviously have a problem if I was getting ****faced behind their backs and stealing alcohol from them or whatever, they weren't irresponsible parents, but they would offer me wine sometimes at dinner. I've never found that it was a big deal to drink.

as long as people are smart about it why not. I started drinking at 16

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

it is just alcohol, by itself there is no harm in it. Alcohol is consumed by millions (maybe billions?) of people each day responsibly.

Underage drinking is a plague, not because theyre young, but because of society. People want what they can't have, and if a young adult can't have alcohol, theyre going to go out and get it. Worse, theyre going to buy it en masse, and consume it as such, because, hey, they won't know when theyre going to g et another chance. Enter binge drinking, an irresponsible way to consume alcohol, that society essentially tells "kids" to do.

I feel the age needs to be dropped to around 16 or so. In addition, this notion that alcohol is bad, evil, corrupt, etc needs to go away. Parents need to relax, start letting their kids have a glass of champagne on New Years or Christmas.

I remember turning 21, and it was great. I went out frequently and got drunk for a week or so because I felt unleashed, like it was so cool to finally be able to legally buy and drink alcohol. But then the "honeymoon phase" went away and I found myself drinking less (both in volume and in frequency). Alcohol became like a treat, something to celebrate the end of the week with. I think if the age was lowered, there'd be less binge drinking and more responsible drinking.

Also, having such a high drinking age is just pointless and wasteful; people are going to get alcohol one way or another

limpbizkit818

The idea that alcohol is bad, evil, corrupt needs to go away? No! The idea needs to be enforced and properly taught. Alcohol is the most dangerous drug in modern society.

"Cancer experts say that for every additional 10g per day of alcohol drunk, the risk of breast cancer increases by approximately 7-12%."

"However, drinking more than three drinks a day has been found to have a direct and damaging effect on the heart. "

"For bowel cancer, previous studies show that increasing alcohol intake by 100g per week increases the cancer risk by 19%."

"Alcohol is a well-established cancer causing agent, he says."

"Long term, it increases the risk of developing a long list of health conditions including breast cancer, oral cancers, heart disease, strokes and cirrhosis of the liver."

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15114325)

That's not even looking at what effects alcohol consumption has on society. Some would argue it's worse than herion (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11660210).

But you know what, everyone does it! So it must be fine! Lets lower the drinking age! You know what else used to be popular? Smoking cigarettes. Then people starting waking up.

yeah yeah yeah we get it, alcohol is dangerous. God forbid we look at the reality of the situation and see that alcohol consumers have lived long and healthy lives for thousands of years.

As for the studies, whatever, there are billion studies showing how alcohol is good for you in addition to the billion showing how it is bad for you.

-Did you know beer promotes strong bones?
-Wine can lower the risk of stroke and heart attack (the real number one killer is prevented by something you fear :P )
-Beer, provided you are properly hydrated, will not dehydrate you and is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Indeed, after long runs, it is prudent to have a pint or two as it quenches thirst, replaces vitamins, and promotes good circulation.
-Stout is good for nursing mothers

And since when is this about popularity? Alcohol is popular because it is forbidden, at least among the under-21 crowd. For the rest of us, we like alcohol because, well, we just like it. It tastes great, feels great, and is simply just a tasty beverage in many forms, with rich histories from hundreds of nations.

Wake up? It is time for the American public to wake up, as the rest of the world has, and lower the drinking age.

Now, if you excuse me, I need to smoke a cigarette, have some coffee, and go make some beer.

Something like 60% of all teenage driving deaths are alcohol related. So until that drops, I am against underage drinking.

sonicare

I'd imagine that would go down if they didnt have to binge drink, or they could drink safely in public and not get in trouble for asking people (mom, dad)

How it is now:

"Hey guys, I just scored three handles of vodka and a case of natty light from my older brother!"
"Woooooooooooo! lets drink! I havent had a drink for a whole month!"
*time goes by*
"Oh man *hick* it is 11:00, I need to get home, or else my parents will be pissed"
"Oh, ok, I think Im grrd enuff to drvvv you home"
*gets in accident*

How it should be:

"Hey, feel like going down to the pub, want a couple beers?"
"Sure man, I Just got done with my homework and could use a tasty beverage"
*time goes by*
"OK, I am going home now"
"Wait, dude, I don't think you should drive"
"OK, youre right, lemme just relax here for an hour or so or call my folks"

Something like 60% of all teenage driving deaths are alcohol related. So until that drops, I am against underage drinking.

sonicare

[QUOTE="sonicare"]

Something like 60% of all teenage driving deaths are alcohol related. So until that drops, I am against underage drinking.

I'm certainly not FOR underage drinking.

That being said, I sort of view it like this....

- At no point will I condone my son drinking until he is of age.

- At the same time I acknowledge that, as with (I believe) most teens, he will experiment with the stuff.

- Should I catch him, he'll face punishment.

- Will he do it again? Knowing what it was like being a teenager, probably, but hopefully he will realize and know in the back of his mind that he is doing something "bad" (for lack of a better word) like I did. (I'd also like to think that we will expose him to enough other, more "wholesome" (again, lack of a better word) activities that will occupy the majority of his time and his own interests/goals will develope.

Note: The above is just a really, really, really generalized abstract.

[QUOTE="sonicare"]

Something like 60% of all teenage driving deaths are alcohol related. So until that drops, I am against underage drinking.

mrbojangles25

I'd imagine that would go down if they didnt have to binge drink, or they could drink safely in public and not get in trouble for asking people (mom, dad)

How it is now:

"Hey guys, I just scored three handles of vodka and a case of natty light from my older brother!"
"Woooooooooooo! lets drink! I havent had a drink for a whole month!"
*time goes by*
"Oh man *hick* it is 11:00, I need to get home, or else my parents will be pissed"
"Oh, ok, I think Im grrd enuff to drvvv you home"
*gets in accident*

How it should be:

"Hey, feel like going down to the pub, want a couple beers?"
"Sure man, I Just got done with my homework and could use a tasty beverage"
*time goes by*
"OK, I am going home now"
"Wait, dude, I don't think you should drive"
"OK, youre right, lemme just relax here for an hour or so or call my folks"

[QUOTE="surrealnumber5"]

[QUOTE="sonicare"]

Something like 60% of all teenage driving deaths are alcohol related. So until that drops, I am against underage drinking.

sonicare

Your point, you should provide support for it.

Although it does appear to be true. They even put it twice.

[QUOTE="limpbizkit818"]

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

it is just alcohol, by itself there is no harm in it. Alcohol is consumed by millions (maybe billions?) of people each day responsibly.

Underage drinking is a plague, not because theyre young, but because of society. People want what they can't have, and if a young adult can't have alcohol, theyre going to go out and get it. Worse, theyre going to buy it en masse, and consume it as such, because, hey, they won't know when theyre going to g et another chance. Enter binge drinking, an irresponsible way to consume alcohol, that society essentially tells "kids" to do.

I feel the age needs to be dropped to around 16 or so. In addition, this notion that alcohol is bad, evil, corrupt, etc needs to go away. Parents need to relax, start letting their kids have a glass of champagne on New Years or Christmas.

I remember turning 21, and it was great. I went out frequently and got drunk for a week or so because I felt unleashed, like it was so cool to finally be able to legally buy and drink alcohol. But then the "honeymoon phase" went away and I found myself drinking less (both in volume and in frequency). Alcohol became like a treat, something to celebrate the end of the week with. I think if the age was lowered, there'd be less binge drinking and more responsible drinking.

Also, having such a high drinking age is just pointless and wasteful; people are going to get alcohol one way or another

mrbojangles25

The idea that alcohol is bad, evil, corrupt needs to go away? No! The idea needs to be enforced and properly taught. Alcohol is the most dangerous drug in modern society.

"Cancer experts say that for every additional 10g per day of alcohol drunk, the risk of breast cancer increases by approximately 7-12%."

"However, drinking more than three drinks a day has been found to have a direct and damaging effect on the heart. "

"For bowel cancer, previous studies show that increasing alcohol intake by 100g per week increases the cancer risk by 19%."

"Alcohol is a well-established cancer causing agent, he says."

"Long term, it increases the risk of developing a long list of health conditions including breast cancer, oral cancers, heart disease, strokes and cirrhosis of the liver."

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15114325)

That's not even looking at what effects alcohol consumption has on society. Some would argue it's worse than herion (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11660210).

But you know what, everyone does it! So it must be fine! Lets lower the drinking age! You know what else used to be popular? Smoking cigarettes. Then people starting waking up.

yeah yeah yeah we get it, alcohol is dangerous. God forbid we look at the reality of the situation and see that alcohol consumers have lived long and healthy lives for thousands of years.

As for the studies, whatever, there are billion studies showing how alcohol is good for you in addition to the billion showing how it is bad for you.

-Did you know beer promotes strong bones?
-Wine can lower the risk of stroke and heart attack (the real number one killer is prevented by something you fear :P )
-Beer, provided you are properly hydrated, will not dehydrate you and is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Indeed, after long runs, it is prudent to have a pint or two as it quenches thirst, replaces vitamins, and promotes good circulation.
-Stout is good for nursing mothers

And since when is this about popularity? Alcohol is popular because it is forbidden, at least among the under-21 crowd. For the rest of us, we like alcohol because, well, we just like it. It tastes great, feels great, and is simply just a tasty beverage in many forms, with rich histories from hundreds of nations.

Wake up? It is time for the American public to wake up, as the rest of the world has, and lower the drinking age.

Now, if you excuse me, I need to smoke a cigarette, have some coffee, and go make some beer.

.......There is no where near billions of studies showing health benefits of alcohol...because there are NONE..except perhaps a slight reduction in cardiovascular risk from very little intake each week and even that is debatable. The fact of the matter is if we removed alcohol from our society out average lifespan would VERY significantly increase! It both directly and indirectly kills serious numbers of people! Go to a hospital and you yourself can see the "reality" of the situation! The reality is many alcohol consumers simply drink far too much and suffer for it. Alcohol is popular because its fun...where i live the drinking limit is 18 however it was very easy to get around.....what made me or any of my friends underage drink was not lol because it was forbidden it is because of the effects...its FUN! If the drinking limit was removed most people would start MUCH younger....it is there for a very good reason. Though i do agree 21 is too high, but i dont recommend lowering it beyond 18!

[QUOTE="limpbizkit818"]

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

it is just alcohol, by itself there is no harm in it. Alcohol is consumed by millions (maybe billions?) of people each day responsibly.

Underage drinking is a plague, not because theyre young, but because of society. People want what they can't have, and if a young adult can't have alcohol, theyre going to go out and get it. Worse, theyre going to buy it en masse, and consume it as such, because, hey, they won't know when theyre going to g et another chance. Enter binge drinking, an irresponsible way to consume alcohol, that society essentially tells "kids" to do.

I feel the age needs to be dropped to around 16 or so. In addition, this notion that alcohol is bad, evil, corrupt, etc needs to go away. Parents need to relax, start letting their kids have a glass of champagne on New Years or Christmas.

I remember turning 21, and it was great. I went out frequently and got drunk for a week or so because I felt unleashed, like it was so cool to finally be able to legally buy and drink alcohol. But then the "honeymoon phase" went away and I found myself drinking less (both in volume and in frequency). Alcohol became like a treat, something to celebrate the end of the week with. I think if the age was lowered, there'd be less binge drinking and more responsible drinking.

Also, having such a high drinking age is just pointless and wasteful; people are going to get alcohol one way or another

mrbojangles25

The idea that alcohol is bad, evil, corrupt needs to go away? No! The idea needs to be enforced and properly taught. Alcohol is the most dangerous drug in modern society.

"Cancer experts say that for every additional 10g per day of alcohol drunk, the risk of breast cancer increases by approximately 7-12%."

"However, drinking more than three drinks a day has been found to have a direct and damaging effect on the heart. "

"For bowel cancer, previous studies show that increasing alcohol intake by 100g per week increases the cancer risk by 19%."

"Alcohol is a well-established cancer causing agent, he says."

"Long term, it increases the risk of developing a long list of health conditions including breast cancer, oral cancers, heart disease, strokes and cirrhosis of the liver."

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15114325)

That's not even looking at what effects alcohol consumption has on society. Some would argue it's worse than herion (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11660210).

But you know what, everyone does it! So it must be fine! Lets lower the drinking age! You know what else used to be popular? Smoking cigarettes. Then people starting waking up.

yeah yeah yeah we get it, alcohol is dangerous. God forbid we look at the reality of the situation and see that alcohol consumers have lived long and healthy lives for thousands of years.

As for the studies, whatever, there are billion studies showing how alcohol is good for you in addition to the billion showing how it is bad for you.

-Did you know beer promotes strong bones?
-Wine can lower the risk of stroke and heart attack (the real number one killer is prevented by something you fear :P )
-Beer, provided you are properly hydrated, will not dehydrate you and is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Indeed, after long runs, it is prudent to have a pint or two as it quenches thirst, replaces vitamins, and promotes good circulation.
-Stout is good for nursing mothers

And since when is this about popularity? Alcohol is popular because it is forbidden, at least among the under-21 crowd. For the rest of us, we like alcohol because, well, we just like it. It tastes great, feels great, and is simply just a tasty beverage in many forms, with rich histories from hundreds of nations.

Wake up? It is time for the American public to wake up, as the rest of the world has, and lower the drinking age.

Now, if you excuse me, I need to smoke a cigarette, have some coffee, and go make some beer.

Ok, after cooling down let me address this point: You're grasping for straws. First off heavy consumption of alcohol has a negative effect on bone density. Second, who cares if it helps in small doses? It's linked to cancer and all of the other diseases I pointed out even when only THREE drinks are consumed. Would you recommend eating a whopper everyday to build muscle mass? I mean, it is high in protein! That's your argument. You're overlooking the negative aspects of alcohol consumption and picking out straws to defend it. It's poison for your body. A glass of wine is good for your heart (we all know this one)? Too bad there are numerous other beverages and foods that are healthy AND they don't destroy your body in the process. You're billion studies that show it is good for you are garbage because they fail to recognize the overwhelming evidence of how bad alcohol is for the human body. It's like saying cigarette are fine because they may help one relax. You don't see anything bogus about this argument?

Society needs to change its views on alcohol. I am not going to sit here and talk to you about bone density. Instead of giving into societal pressure to lower the drinking age we need to raise awareness about what this drug does not only to our body, but to others in society. Drunks affect everyone around them. Violence, rape, drunk driving and so on. Just because you think it taste great does not mean we need to foster a society that sponsors and supports its consumption.

[QUOTE="muthsera666"][QUOTE="GoldenElementXL"]If you are old enough to vote, be tried as an adult, or die for your country you should be able to drink. Either raise those ages to 21 or lower the drinking age to 18. Until then I will be sayin' "That ain't right!"anthonycg

Not exactly; The only reason for those age limits is becase they need a timetable in which you can be sent to county if you break the law, when you can be drafted in times of war and of course jury duty. The drinking limit was set to 21 because the driving age is 18. Frankly I was still immature when I was 18 anyway. I wonder how I'll feel when I'm 30.

I think the age limit is stupid as hell, but I would lying if I were to say underage teen drinkers tend not to be a bit more irresponsible/stupid than other demographics.

Personally, I was straight edge as hell until several months after my 21st birthday, and then I had my first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth drinks.

im not against it but i want to stop it

im 15 years old but i never drink, smoke, have those fun things that people would brag about and people would see them as cool.

i find it immature if you have those things early in your life but people think that they are mature if they do those following things that adults should only do

only mature person are those who do not really act as mature

also smoking too, its getting worst

i believe having a suicide is bad, heck even some smokers believe the same thing too but what they dont know is the they themselves are already commiting suicide. smoking is an act of killing your lungs which will cause you cancers and kills you. for me smoking is a death pill that no one is aware off. it is nothing but a deadly temptation that no one can resist.

seriously every minute you smoke takes away 1 hour of your life. that means you are slowly commiting a suicide

same goes to drinking, drinking is fine as long as you do it slowly and you take care of your liver at the same time. but most of the drinkers really dont care about their health and end up having such disease that is the cause of too much drinking

if you both do it carelessly you are dead

heck i dont even drink coffee and tea

Not sure what to say about it, im underage and allready drink but I use my mind.

i believe having a suicide is bad, heck even some smokers believe the same thing too but what they dont know is the they themselves are already commiting suicide. smoking is an act of killing your lungs which will cause you cancers and kills you. for me smoking is a death pill that no one is aware off. it is nothing but a deadly temptation that no one can resist.

seriously every minute you smoke takes away 1 hour of your life. that means you are slowly commiting a suicide

FearMe801

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you, including smokers.

No one is smoking thinking it will make them live for a hundred years.

I can remember being a teenager and being allowed to have a small glass of wine under my mothers ever watchful gaze, both of my parents did a really good job of destroying any of that "mysticism" that helps to make drinking seem like the "cool rebel" thing to do. I also think that it's a shame that the few have to ruin the privileges of many.

Im 18 years old and I drink like a 60 year old war veteran as a way out of my depressing, miserablelife.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="limpbizkit818"]

The idea that alcohol is bad, evil, corrupt needs to go away? No! The idea needs to be enforced and properly taught. Alcohol is the most dangerous drug in modern society.

"Cancer experts say that for every additional 10g per day of alcohol drunk, the risk of breast cancer increases by approximately 7-12%."

"However, drinking more than three drinks a day has been found to have a direct and damaging effect on the heart. "

"For bowel cancer, previous studies show that increasing alcohol intake by 100g per week increases the cancer risk by 19%."

"Alcohol is a well-established cancer causing agent, he says."

"Long term, it increases the risk of developing a long list of health conditions including breast cancer, oral cancers, heart disease, strokes and cirrhosis of the liver."

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15114325)

That's not even looking at what effects alcohol consumption has on society. Some would argue it's worse than herion (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11660210).

But you know what, everyone does it! So it must be fine! Lets lower the drinking age! You know what else used to be popular? Smoking cigarettes. Then people starting waking up.

limpbizkit818

yeah yeah yeah we get it, alcohol is dangerous. God forbid we look at the reality of the situation and see that alcohol consumers have lived long and healthy lives for thousands of years.

As for the studies, whatever, there are billion studies showing how alcohol is good for you in addition to the billion showing how it is bad for you.

-Did you know beer promotes strong bones?
-Wine can lower the risk of stroke and heart attack (the real number one killer is prevented by something you fear :P )
-Beer, provided you are properly hydrated, will not dehydrate you and is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Indeed, after long runs, it is prudent to have a pint or two as it quenches thirst, replaces vitamins, and promotes good circulation.
-Stout is good for nursing mothers

And since when is this about popularity? Alcohol is popular because it is forbidden, at least among the under-21 crowd. For the rest of us, we like alcohol because, well, we just like it. It tastes great, feels great, and is simply just a tasty beverage in many forms, with rich histories from hundreds of nations.

Wake up? It is time for the American public to wake up, as the rest of the world has, and lower the drinking age.

Now, if you excuse me, I need to smoke a cigarette, have some coffee, and go make some beer.

Ok, after cooling down let me address this point: You're grasping for straws. First off heavy consumption of alcohol has a negative effect on bone density. Second, who cares if it helps in small doses? It's linked to cancer and all of the other diseases I pointed out even when only THREE drinks are consumed. Would you recommend eating a whopper everyday to build muscle mass? I mean, it is high in protein! That's your argument. You're overlooking the negative aspects of alcohol consumption and picking out straws to defend it. It's poison for your body. A glass of wine is good for your heart (we all know this one)? Too bad there are numerous other beverages and foods that are healthy AND they don't destroy your body in the process. You're billion studies that show it is good for you are garbage because they fail to recognize the overwhelming evidence of how bad alcohol is for the human body. It's like saying cigarette are fine because they may help one relax. You don't see anything bogus about this argument?

Society needs to change its views on alcohol. I am not going to sit here and talk to you about bone density. Instead of giving into societal pressure to lower the drinking age we need to raise awareness about what this drug does not only to our body, but to others in society. Drunks affect everyone around them. Violence, rape, drunk driving and so on. Just because you think it taste great does not mean we need to foster a society that sponsors and supports its consumption.

I'm grasping for straws? Youre the one going "Cancer cancer cancer!" and fear-mongering. ALCOHOL WILL KILL YOU AND EAT YOUR FAMBLY! :evil:

:roll:

You know what else causes cancer? Half the crap we take into our bodies. Those fruits and vegetables you eat? Covered in carcinogens. That grilled chicken you just ate? Burned to a cancer-causing crisp! Diet soda, microwaves, sitting too close to a digital clock, and your genetic background...ALL CAUSE CANCER!

I wholeheartedly agree with you that alcohol awareness is incredibly low and needs to become a priority in everyone's life, especially the young. But youre not going to do that by demonizing something that, in truth, is relatively harmless.

As for your other points (violence, rape, etc), I just do not know where to start with that, except to say that alcohol consumption (for the few that react badly to it) is merely the symptom, and the problem (being predisposed to addicition, being stupid, not having self-control) is the real problem.

But, hey, lets ruin it for the millions upon millions of people that enjoy alcohol responsibly every single day and live until they are over 80 years old, simply because a few bad apples do ruin the whole basket:roll:

Anyway, I get the feeling that you have lost someone to alcohol, or suffered under someone who was an alcoholic (my dad was one for quite a few years, I know it sucks) so if this is true I'd rather not argue with you any more. I have devoted the last few years of my life to alcohol, alcohol awareness, and responsbile drinking (quality over quantity) so I am not going to budge :P

Cheers

I'm against irresponsible drinking of all ages. Underage drinkers tend to be very irresponsible.foxhound_fox

Studies have proven that light drinkers live longer than heavy drinkers live longer than people who deprive themselves of alcohol. Want to go all health-crazed psycho on someone? Pick on smokers and fatties.

The funny thing is that I've never consumed alcohol legally. I got drunk a few times at ages 14 and 15, then haven't touched it since.