Topic > Alcohol Abuse in Teens - 1020

Peer pressure is another major factor that can lead to alcohol abuse in teens. Typically, during adolescence, teenagers spend more time with friends instead of family. Teens cannot escape peer pressure, and most people have to experience it at some point in their lives. The teenage years are definitely some of the most difficult years in a person's life. Fitting in and being popular are important factors in some people's educational careers. No one wants to be rejected or lose a friend over a little problem with drinking a little alcohol; therefore, he or she may give in to peer pressure. When everyone else is drinking at a party, no teenager wants to be left out or teased. The influence of others definitely influences the decisions a teenager makes. Resisting peer pressure can be difficult, but you need to keep in mind the effects of alcohol. Drinking, even in small amounts, can cause hangovers, liver disease and even death. Each year, approximately 14,000 American teenagers die from excessive alcohol consumption or drunk driving. Furthermore, peer pressure can also be positive. Not all teenagers drink; therefore, those who refrain from doing so can encourage their friends to stop drinking or not to start drinking at all. Peer pressure can promote drinking, but staying strong and keeping in mind the risk of alcohol abuse will help a teen abstain