Alcohol, as compared to other scheduled drugs, is considered one of the most dangerous and addicting substances known to our bodies. The potential risk factor is as high as that of cocaine, which the dangers are extraordinary, including addiction and withdrawal without the substance. The entire body including the kidneys, liver and brain tend to suffer from regular abuse of alcohol. Why does our society continue to misuse this substance? Alcohol is socially accepted in our culture. We base this knowledge on several reasons. Magazine ads, such as Cosmopolitan and Glamour mystify alcohol in a sexy and provocative fashion. Young women and men are depicted to be having fun while drinking a particular beverage. Usually these images are of attractive women and men who are scantily dressed as though to entice young viewers into a certain mood. This mood being that of a carefree attitude without any worries. .
TV commercials and movies also add to the mass profit that manufacturing companies make by portraying alcohol as the "all-American" drug that is acceptable to use. Television Commercials never show the aversive affects that alcohol has on the body. Instead they show young people having fun and enjoying life. Apparently if you have a cold Miller Lite or some other beverage you will experience the same feeling. At the end of the commercial, they are quick to add, "please be responsible when you drink." Where does responsibility come into play? Do you pick the less drunk individual of the group to be the designated driver? In most cases, everyone piles into the car and does not give another thought if the person driving has had too much to drink, thus leading to a possible drunk driving accident.
The closest perception of reality when it comes to drinking is shown through movies. While we see such films as Arthur, portraying the "happy drunk," the silver screen has a way of depicting alcohol as having another side other than this euphoric sense of self.
Alcohol Alert "Despite a minimum drinking age of 21, many young people in the United States consume alcohol." (NIAAA) From research done and statistics shown alcohol users are mostly found in ages 14-19; grade 8th -12th. Although other drug use besides alcohol may be a problem; in the soci...
