Over the years, drinking has become a social activity. We drink to celebrate. We drink when we are happy. When we are sad. Getting together and sharing a beer or a bottle of wine is as common as eating. Although it can be a healthy, outgoing, and fun moment, drinking is very impactful on our well-being. And if you are young and in college, alcohol is likely a part of your life. That led us to a question: why are we – especially young people – so drawn to alcohol?

Why are we – especially young people – so drawn to alcohol? 

We don’t know exactly when drinking became a “thing” in our lives. All we know is that is something we can’t escape. When going to a party, or for lunch, or dinner with friends, it is “expected” that drinks will be involved. This idea that we must drink when out partying or with friends can be very unhealthy, especially when you’re young. 

Past experiences, social norms, stress are three out of many causes we might have when it comes to why we drink. And all of these three can be inflated when you’re in one of the most stressful moments of your life: college. It is in this period where you will go out the most and probably drink tons. I am in favor of trying new things and let loose. But nowadays, more and more young people are developing an addiction without even noticing. But why is that? 

According to the U.S Department of Health & Human Services, it is largely given the difference between an adult brain and a maturing brain. While we are growing up, our brain develops it one space at a time, and during our young age, our pleasure sensors mature much faster than our decision-making ones. In other words, we are led by the things we like, whether they are the wisest choice or not. It also explains why we might have a different sensation when we drink. While adults have to deal with headaches, nausea, and lack of coordination, young people feel completely different: it makes them feel at ease in social situations.

Not only that, according to the same research, our surroundings can also impact our drinking habits. And when you’re in college, you are constantly surrounded by situations where drinking is the “norm.” What can make you feel pressured to drink or too pressured to say no. We covered peer pressure in another article. You should check that one out if you think it’s your case. 

Sometimes – most of the time – we don’t notice when things are harmful to our health because they make us feel good. Like we’ve mentioned before, giving our development, our brains process addictive substances differently. Even more, if you’re abusing alcohol, it can be hard to notice the down effects it has on you. And that is why you should ask yourself some questions, for example:

• Do I need to drink every day?
• If I don’t drink, how will it make me feel?
• I am experiencing humor swings when I’m not drinking?
• Is my sleep being affected by my use or NOT use of alcohol?

The questions above are a few of many out there that can help you understand your relationship with drinking. 

We need to clarify that we do not believe in a perfect reality where no one drinks and life is nothing but rainbows. Because, one, life is everything but made of rainbows, and two, drinking can be healthy as long as you understand that it’s supposed to be enjoyable and not some sedative or some mask you use to run from your fears. 

If you enjoy sharing some wine with your friends on a Friday night, go for it. If you’re fancying a beer to make you some company while you watch the game, why not? Because yes, alcohol is a social norm, but it shouldn’t be a bad one. If you are doing it responsibly, there’s no need to worry. 

On the other hand, if you are drinking to feel something or nothing at all, if you are drinking because your friends are, or because your parents are, you should revalue the reason behind your alcohol consumption. 

It can be hard to do this alone, so if you feel like alcohol controls how you act, you’re drinking way too often, you feel weird and agitated when you are not under the influence of drinks. Then, we recommend speaking with someone you trust. Share how you are feeling. And If you know someone that is struggling with alcohol abuse or it is heading down this direction, please make sure you check in with this person.

Ask how she/he/they are doing. Be present. And don’t be afraid to take action to remove that person from a dangerous situation. We are alcohol consumers, but we should make sure our young nieces, brothers, and sisters are safe while they try new things.

Alcohol can be a good, healthy, fun thing. It can make you feel good about yourself and others. But always if it comes from a place of responsibility. And one last thing, although it is fun to drink, you don’t have to do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alcohol harmful to?
Alcohol is harmful to the brain, heart, liver, and overall health.

What is alcohol defined as?
Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive substance with dependence-producing properties.

What are the effects of alcohol?
Alcohol causes short-term impairment and long-term health issues like organ damage.

What is the alcohol formula?
The chemical formula for alcohol is C₂H₅OH, also known as ethanol.

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