As a parent whose teen is heading off to college, you may be worried about their alcohol use. You know that it’s common on college campuses. As far as you know, your teenager has not been drinking in high school, and you don’t want them to develop new habits that could be detrimental to their educational career – or that could result in criminal charges.
But why is it that alcohol is so often used by college students? They know that it is illegal for them to use it when they are under 21, so why do they do so anyway?
Social pressure
First and foremost, many college students use alcohol in social situations. They may enjoy it as a social lubricant or they may feel peer pressure. If your teenager goes to a party where everyone else is drinking, they are much more likely to consume alcohol, even if they never would’ve done so otherwise.
Curiosity
Additionally, college students may just be curious about alcohol. They know that adults use it but haven’t had much experience. College is seen as a time for new experiences and learning about the world, so some teens decide to try drinking while still underage.
Dealing with stress
Finally, college can be stressful for many students. They face stress in fitting in with social groups or doing well in their classes. Alcohol may be used as a stress reliever, even if they don’t realize it.
These are just a few reasons why your teen could find themselves facing alcohol-related charges. If so, make sure that you are well aware of their legal defense options.
