Drinking is becoming more and more of a problem for high school students. It is even becoming more widely accepted and used among students here.

“I firmly believe that 85% of the students here drink on a weekend basis,” senior Jesi Lapato said. “It’s gotten a lot worse since my freshman year.”

Students give a variety of reasons as to why they turn to alcohol. Many say that being drunk is appealing because it makes them feel good. Others say alcohol is an outlet for relaxation and escape.

“I think a lot drink because they are stressed and depressed, and they have nothing else better to look to,” junior Jessica Porter said.

Others use alcohol to rebel. On the website: Teenagedrinking.com, it is said that students who do not have a good relationship with their parents are more likely to drink.

“I think they feel like it’s more of a rush to drink underage because you can get in trouble,” junior Shara Staine said.

As stated by Adolescent Crisis Team website, peer pressure still shows to be a problem for those who don’t fit in or who are out of the mainstream.

“They want to feel in and loved,” senior Delmar Hunt said. “They think it’s cool, but it’s really not. The cool thing is being yourself, you don’t need alcohol.”

Warren Boroson’s website (
According to the Addictions and More website, statistics vary but the best estimates indicate that there may be more than four million American alcoholics under the age of 18.

Most teens do not fully realize all the risks involved with alcohol usage and the damage it can do to a person’s mind and body.

“Drinking impairs your judgement,” said Hunt. “Guys are sleezy.”

Many students will admit that they are not as educated about alcohol as they should be.

“We don’t stress it enough,” said Lapato. “Like during SRT, we should be getting more information.”

Some feel that no matter what they already know, and what their punishment may be, it does not affect their decision to drink.

“I don’t think the consequences make a difference,” said Porter. “I think until they see someone they love get hurt or die they aren’t going to stop. They won’t stop until it actually affects them.”