Alcohol Is a Legal Drug, Essay Example

Alcohol is a legal drug. Many juveniles try alcohol before they are aware of the repercussions of its use. Studies have shown that alcohol is a likely factor in murders, suicides, and accidental deaths. Furthermore, alcohol use can contribute to both chronic and acute health conditions. The best known consequences of chronic drinking include depression, heart disease, and cirrhosis of the liver. Individuals that become addicted to alcohol often experience social consequences. These individuals are less likely to be able to live a normal life in terms of their ability to maintain relationships and careers. Social issues that impact drug and alcohol use include poverty, peer pressure, family life, and genetic factors, emotional problems, and rational choice. Occasionally, alcohol use contributes to displays of aggressive behavior, although personal characteristic and behaviors can play a role in this relationship. When individuals have friends that tend to drink frequently and in large quantities, their personal tendencies to drink large amounts will increase as well. Alcohol tends to lower the inhibition of people, which disproportionately impacts juveniles who often do not have the correct information to make educated decisions. For example, juveniles are more likely to engage in sexual acts while using alcohol without using a condom, which can result in pregnancy and the reception of sexually transmitted disease. Juveniles are most likely to abuse alcohol during their important developmental years and alcohol dependence behaviors have been observed in children that are as young as six years of age. Thus, it is apparent that genetic factors are major components of alcohol addiction as well.