Alcohol is the concentration of ethyl alcohol, which varies from about 4% in most beers to 40% in most liquor. The affects of ethyl alcohol are relaxation, as problems seem to go away. Side affects include mood swings, impairment of judgment, and slower motor skills. Alcohol is one of the few legal drugs that people use without thinking of the consequences. Some of the warning signs of problem drinking are gulping drinks, drinking to modify uncomfortable feelings, personality or behavioral changes after drinking. In addition to getting drunk frequently, experiencing "blackouts", frequent accidents as a result of drinking, drinking before social gatherings where alcohol will be served, avoidance, preoccupation of alcohol, focusing social situations around alcohol, and sneaking drinks. (1).
The affect of alcohol as a drug depends on many factors. Some factors that can influence the affects are body weight, age, and the situation that person is currently in. Sometimes high school and college students find themselves in alcohol related situations called hazing. Hazing is to persecute or harass with meaningless, difficult, or humiliating tasks. (2) Often used in initiation in college fraternities and sometimes high school.
Recently, it was reported in Newsday, in an Illinois high school the ritual of hazing caused the pain and suffering of students and the suspension of others. Seniors of the Glenbrook North High School were shown on camera showering juniors with mud, paint, feces, and garbage as onlookers, some holding beer cups, cheered. (3) The students that are identified are being suspended and could face other disciplinary action.
Alcohol related crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. (4) A teenager's lack of experience with driving and impairment of judgment from alcohol coupled with the destructive force of a moving vehicle is ultimately a bad idea. Their have been many deaths around the country from DWI's (Driving While Intoxicated).
