I’m willing to bet you have had an alcoholic drink at least once in your life, whether it be at a party, while hanging out with friends, or even with your parents. What has become a societal norm in modern times may seem perfectly fine, maybe even safe. This has unfortunately been proven untrue countless times.
Let’s face the facts, 21% of adolescents aged 12-20 are drinking. Every single one of these kids is putting themselves and others at risk, but more importantly, 13% of kids aged 12-20 are binge drinking, the true danger (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of Michigan). Binge drinking is when your BAC exceeds 0.08%, and this is when things get risky. According to Sanford Behavioral Health, more than 4,500 deaths per year in Michigan are because of binge drinking. This is because you are more likely to partake in dangerous activities like drunk driving, and your overall decision-making skills are more impaired.
According to an anonymous study of 60 people here at EGR, 78.3% of them have had alcohol, with 12 of those people drinking every week, and seven every day. Due to the fact that the survey was self-reporting, and the sample size was out of 60, 7 people could include some people answering falsely to try and skew data. The lack of seriousness towards a survey regarding a topic like this only shows the lack of maturity some have to have these difficult conversations – and make good choices around drinking.
Even though students might know teens drink, they were quick to question the accuracy of the numbers.
“I don’t think that it is realistic. I’m guessing it’s exaggerated because I would think people would be lying,” Helen Engbers ‘25 said.
Others thought that the 7 daily drinkers could be more likely.
“I think that with the number of parties that happen, the drinking could become normal and daily for some kids,” Tanyon Sanders ‘26 said.
Either way, the fact remains that underage and illegal drinking occurs, and the risks can be high for high schoolers.
It’s far less dangerous when it comes to drinking on special occasions, as the less you drink the less likely you are a binge drinker, with that accounting for 26 people in the study.
Underage drinking also comes with legal trouble. If you are caught drinking by law enforcement your first offense comes with possible community services and rehabilitative services. While to you, this may seem like a slap on the wrist, as oftentimes those punishments aren’t enforced, your second Minor in Possession (MIP) will come with deeper cuts, including a misdemeanor (Kelly & Kelly, P.C.). Despite what many people at this school may think, it is possible to get an MIP in East.
If we are being realistic, most students at EGR aren’t going to stop drinking because of this article, but that’s not important. What is important is safety. Whether going to a HOCO afterparty or hanging out with friends on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, being conscious of the dangers, legally and physically, can help prevent disaster.
