“PARTY!!” There is nothing better than getting together with a group of friends and letting loose. Celebrating a big win, the end of a school year, or the simple fact that it is Friday and you have nothing to do all weekend but relax. Oftentimes alcohol is the major part of hanging out. You get some alcohol with friends, go somewhere, drink and laugh the night away. Drinking responsibly is something that we are taught even before we reach the legal drinking age. When you begin having trouble with friends and family, school, and/or the law, because of drinking this could be a problem.

“Last night Jake was so drunk. I hate when he gets like that and it has been happening more frequently. It is like he can’t hang out without drinking,” explained Jake’s girlfriend Melissa.

“It’s not like nobody else is drinking, but he drinks so much and never feels like doing anything the next day. His grades are totally suffering. He missed his dentist appointment yesterday and a family get together a couple of days ago,” exclaimed his brother Mark.

“I am worried that he is going to get in serious trouble. He insists on driving home from every party. Even if I have had nothing to drink, he refuses to let me drive. If he gets pulled over, hits a pedestrian or another car, somebody could get injured or killed and he could be in serious trouble. It could ruin his life.”

“I know…can he learn his limit? I think that you should talk to him. He won’t yell at you and get all defensive,” Mark rationalized. “I mean…it is not like we think he is an alcoholic or anything. He just needs to be careful before it has any serious effects on his health or life in general.”

“I will see what I can do, but I think this has gone on too long. He enjoys drinking too much. He drinks when he is happy or sad about anything. It is like an escape for him. Maybe he should see an experienced drug and alcohol counselor.”

“Yeah, well good luck getting him to agree to that,” Mark said knowing that Jake would never agree to that.

Drugs and alcohol can have very bad effects on a person’s life. Drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor are illegal and will cause harm to the user’s brain and/or body. Alcohol, when used in a social setting and responsibly is ok if a person is of the legal drinking age. If you or somebody you know is having trouble functioning in daily life because of drugs or alcohol, get help.