Alcohol / Question
Published: July 23, 1999
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My friend tells me that he only drinks beer at parties, and says that it is not as dangerous as using hard liquor or wine. Is this true?
Signed: Alcohol Truths
Dear Alcohol Truths,
This is absolutely not true - TeenHealthFX wants you and your friend to be aware that it is a dangerous misconseption to think that consuming beer is not as problematic as drinking hard liquor or wine. There are many dangers that go along with alcohol use no matter what type of alcohol it is. The leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults is driving after a person has been drinking alcohol (even just a couple of drinks).
In most places, drinking alcohol is illegal if you are not 21 including New Jersey. Frequent and constant use of any type of alcohol can lead to physical dependence and tolerance to alcohol. Alcoholism develops in stages, beginning with a preoccupation of drinking and advancing to complete physical dependence.
Some important facts are:
- 1 beer = 1 oz hard liquor
- 6 beers = 6 shots
- C. (have you ever felt that you should Cut down on your drinking?)
- A. ( have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?)
- G. ( have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?)
- E. ( have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?) (Eye opener)
CAGE can give you a better sense of the situation. If you answer 'yes' to 2 or more of these questions, it is likely that there is an alcohol problem.
Some warning signs are:
- gulping drinks
- drinking to change uncomfortable feelings
- getting drunk frequently
- not wanting to talk about negative consequences of drinking
- focusing on social situations about alcohol
- blacking out or passing out
Signed: TeenHealthFX
About 44% of rape victims are under age 18. Three out of every twenty victims (15%) are under age 12. 
