Have you ever thought about consuming alcohol or taking part in the act of underage drinking? If you are under the age of 21, then consuming alcohol (beer, liquor, wine) is illegal. Before you do something you could seriously regret later, keep reading to understand some of the unfortunate consequences associated with underage drinking.
Learning the Penalties
Both short and long term consequences that can occur as a result of underage drinking. It is important to know that 5,000 young adults under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related injuries, each year. These injuries include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Homicides
- Suicides
Underage drinking also plays a large role in dangerous sexual behavior, including:
- Unwanted Sexual Activity
- Unprotected Sexual Activity
- Sex with Multiple Partners (leading to sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy)
- Date and Gang Rape
Though consuming too much of any type of alcohol can result in unwanted or unplanned acts at any age, anyone who participates in underage drinking is at a higher risk for:
- Increased Risk of Sexual/Physical Assault
- Academic Failure
- Illicit Drug Use
- Hangovers
- Alcohol Poisoning
Though these consequences are common and occur regularly, many underage drinkers are never affected. However, it is important to know the risks and make a conscious decision about underage drinking. If you're considering consuming alcohol, please take the warnings and potential consequences into account.
Who is At Risk?
Potentially, anyone could choose to drink under the age of 21. However, students on campus are at risk for illegally consuming alcohol. Also, children of alcoholics are especially vulnerable to developing drinking disorders.
Take Responsibility
Ultimately, you are responsible for your own behavior. You have the option to consume alcohol or to skip it and fill your cup with water. Of course, if you do choose to drink alcohol, then it's important to do so sensibly — don’t drink and drive and don't drink so much that you pass out. However, if you aren't 21, then you should avoid alcohol altogether — it's illegal and dangerous.
