Convince me to not start drinking this summer

imaparasite · 04-29-2008, 04:54 PM

I'm in 9th grade, straight A's, heavily involved in ECs, volunteering, etc. I look forward to taking a course at a big U this summer for credit and partying with friends who drink, smoke, etc. I've decided I'm going to drink to intoxication probably once a week. Is there any reason why I shouldn't? [Besides the fact that it's illegal.]

romanigypsyeyes · 04-29-2008, 04:58 PM

It's illegal, dangerous, stupid, possibly addicting, it can hurt you, it can ruin your record if you get caught.

You don't have to drink and smoke to party.

imaparasite · 04-29-2008, 05:00 PM

Could you go into more detail? Why is it stupid, dangerous, etc and how can it hurt me? What are the odds that I'll get addicted and how much of it is under my control?

Meh, I know you don't have to, but I'm depressed and rebellious by nature so it's really tempting.

alethiometer · 04-29-2008, 05:18 PM

If you're rebellious "by nature", then don't drink, considering that's what the vast majority of teenagers do. If you want to be different, then don't drink.

As to how can it hurt you, there are a few little, really minor things called alcohol poisoning and drunk driving (well, doing anything drunk), among others that can be determined by your genes (and yes, since you're in 9th grade, you probably don't have a driver's license, but I'm sure that wouldn't stop a "rebellious" person like you). Also, studies have shown that drinking at a young age/in your teens can have a negative effect on your brain, so you could just say good-bye to those straight-As.

I dare you to come up with one good, reasonable reason to drink.

proletariat2 · 04-29-2008, 05:19 PM

It dulls your judgment, makes you do stupid things you would never even have considered if you were sober, and weakens your response time. Since you're female, there's also the violence/rape concern everyone likes to dodge.

imaparasite · 04-29-2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Also, studies have shown that drinking at a young age/in your teens can have a negative effect on your brain, so you could just say good-bye to those straight-As.

This sounds like DARE-esque propaganda. Whose studies? And how much did it affect their brains, like .00015%? =/ I highly doubt moderate drinking would make me so stupid that I am no longer capable of straight A's.. but maybe you can show me the numbers.

Meh, okay @ your argument that it's not really "rebelling".. whatever anyone does they are always rebelling against someone's opinion. Idk why drinking is tempting to me.

Everyone's always at risk of rape the minute they step outside their door. Idk if drinking would up that chance significantly.

Reasonable reason to drink? Numbing pain, not having worries, having fun, some instant gratification, experiencing something new, meeting new people..

romanigypsyeyes · 04-29-2008, 05:23 PM

Ok. Depression is the WORST reason to start drinking. That's how addiction begins.

Sligh_Anarchist · 04-29-2008, 05:26 PM

Female drunks are the best, let me tell you! With the shot glass at your side, you are looking towards a great future, little freshman!

proletariat2 · 04-29-2008, 05:26 PM

Don't be a professional non-conformist as most postmodernists are. Instead, judge conformity and non-conformity in individual cases by reason - which is more beneficial to your interests, and those of others? Drinking is in many cases an attempt at being a non-conformist, but it has by now become commonplace anyway. I guess in your case, you would just do it because you feel like it.

You're also likely to be worse at NetHack when drunk, an important factor to take into consideration. Clearly, the rational choice is not drinking.

If you drink, at least do so responsibly - don't get drunk every week like you plan to.

dlesk · 04-29-2008, 05:27 PM

Big deal, have a few drinks. As long as you don't get into a car with someone who is wasted, you will be fine. You aren't saying goodbye to your grades if you drink, as long as you keep up with your work during the week and party on the weekends, you can keep the the marks. Alcohol won't lower your intelligence.

The only thing you should worry about are the calories. A beer has about 150 calories. And don't forget about late-night munchies.

HisGraceFillsMe · 04-29-2008, 05:28 PM

Drinking just to get drunk (which I'm assuming "to intoxication" means) is VERY dangerous. Being drunk lowers your inhibitions, and makes it much easier for you to do things you could regret later.

Not to mention that by going to college parties where there is going to be alcohol, you're putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Ever heard of date rape? It happens more frequently than you'd think. You have to be constantly vigilant, which if you're drunk, you're not going to be.

Quote:

I dare you to come up with one good, reasonable reason to drink.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

If I were to start a thread like this, it would be more like, "Convince me TO drink this summer."

My dad was an alcoholic before I was born, and let me tell you, very few people CHOOSE to become alcoholics or even realize that's the path they're on. But before they know it, they can't stop drinking.

And the reasons you listed for drinking are probably the WORST possible reasons you can drink.

I'm not going to lie, I'll probably drink once in a while once I'm over 21.

If nothing else, consider the risk you're putting others in. If the cops should raid the party and find you drinking, not only will YOU get in trouble, but whoever bought the alcohol will be in HUGE trouble for buying alcohol for a minor...even if they didn't know you were there.

Anniushka · 04-29-2008, 05:31 PM

Don't drink because it's embarrassing to have to have someone help you put your jacket on.

imaparasite · 04-29-2008, 05:32 PM

Just high school parties. That is interesting though.

sfkef2010 · 04-29-2008, 05:33 PM

You've got to make your own decisions about this stuff, just please be careful! A lot of high schoolers are curious and want to experiment. Know that your tolerance is going to be low, so don't try to be macho and end up getting yourself sick. Keep close track of how much you're drinking.
One of my friends got really sick and had to get her stomach pumped. It was really scary for her and for us, her friends!!

southeasttitan · 04-29-2008, 05:33 PM

"I dare you to come up with one good, reasonable reason to drink."

It's hella fun. Not that you should do it all the time, but in moderation being a little tipsy is a great release from the stress of school and social life and college apps. I am a straight-A student, hundreds of volunteer hours, newspaper editor, national awards, blah blah blah, and I enjoy the occasional couple of shots. Sue me.

OP, it's your life. You make that decision for yourself. Either way, honestly, won't help you or hurt you.