It is illegal for teenagers to drink alcohol in the vast majority of situations. They are certainly not allowed to buy it, and they can get arrested merely for possessing alcoholic beverages while they are still underage.
However, as most parents know, teens do still break the law and drink alcohol. This is often frustrating to parents who are thinking about the teen’s future. So why is it that young people will take this risk? Here are three potential reasons.
They’re just curious
In many cases, teenagers are feeling curious. Alcohol has always been prohibited to them, and yet they see it everywhere in popular culture. Adults around them may drink it frequently. They want to find out what it’s like.
They enjoy it
Of course, there are also teens who just enjoy drinking and think that it feels good. Maybe it helps them relax or acts as a social lubricant when they’re around their peers. Maybe it helps them reduce stress from school or their home life.
Peer pressure
Finally, many teens will drink to try to fit in. They’re experiencing peer pressure. Maybe they got invited to a party with other friends from high school, and most people are drinking. They don’t want to be the only person who doesn’t, and they want to fit in with that social group. They may decide to take a risk and drink alcohol, even though they know it’s illegal.
After an arrest
If you’re a parent of a teenager who has been arrested for underage drinking, please know that there are criminal defense options you can use to focus on protecting your teen’s future.
