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Alcohol consumption in America increased during the post-war years with consumption in 1984 being twice the level of 1950. In recent years, the increase of alcohol consumption among teenagers has increased significantly to have an effect on this growing number. Studies show that 81 percent of children between the age of twelve and thirteen have already had a drink, and not just a taste. Of those in high school, one-half are classified as regular drinkers and one of three drink heavily once a week. It is estimated that of those with a serious drinking problem, approximately 4 million are now alcoholic or addicted to alcohol which they drink on a daily basis (Sherouse 6). Many investigations have been conducted to link this trend with its different origins. These factors can be classified into the following domains: (a) cultural/ societal,

(b) family, ( c) peer, and (d) personality/ attitudes (McCoy 23). But, what are the real underlying reasons that cause a teen to drink? What is going on behind a teen’s mind that encourages them to take that drink or that shot of liquor? The most prevailing bad influences that have caused teens to drink are peer pressure, family modeling, and effects of alcohol.

Peer Pressure. One of the most powerful predictors of alcohol use by an adolescent is the alcohol use of the youth’s best friend. Adolescents whose friends drink alcohol are much more likely to drink alcohol than those whose peers do not (Rogers 84). Adolescent alcohol use takes place within the peer clusters, which consist of best friends or very close friends. The teen sees their friends drinking and looking like they are having a good time which in turn causes a sense of encouragement for the teen to try it out. There is an essence of peer approval among all teenagers. The teen tries to fit in any way they can. The sense of belonging to a group and not being the only oddball...