Underage Drinking-What Would You Do?

Underage Drinking-What Would You Do?

The ABC show What Would You Do? is based on testing how ordinary people react to tough, everyday situations. In one episode, individuals were faced with a decision when actors posed as 18 year olds outside a liquor store and asked adults to buy them alcohol. This scenario poses an excellent question: would you rather knowingly buy alcohol for underage minors or have them drinking behind your back?

It is important to remember that underage drinking is illegal, even if alcohol is purchased by someone 21 or older. A person caught drinking underage can face serious legal consequences. However, some argue that parents buying alcohol for their children or letting them drink only at home allows them to better supervise their behavior and stop dangerous activities such as binge drinking, DUI and alcohol abuse. There are thousands of supporters on both sides of this debate and it rages on, at times putting the law and adults’ beliefs in conflict.

The earlier a person starts drinking, the earlier he or she runs the risk of developing substance abuse or addiction. Alcoholism is a disease with physical and psychological components. Once a person is in its clutches, no matter how young he or she may be, addiction treatment in an alcohol rehab facility is the only effective way to achieve quality, long-term sobriety. Alcohol has the same effect on the finances, family life, social life, employment and physical well-being of all individuals, regardless of their age. If you know an underage individual who may be struggling with alcoholism, do not be afraid to get help, stepping in early could be lifesaving.