Halloween is more than just innocent fun, pumpkin and apple treats, and spooky movies.
With the approach of “Halloweekend”, teens around Ohio get excited as they pick out popular costumes such as Disney characters or dress up as their favorite celebrities. However, the sad reality of Halloween is a huge spike in underage drinking as teenage party invitations spread like wildfire. Halloween celebrations initially free of alcohol can easily turn into binge drinking affairs as the sinister night drifts on.
“Most high school students who drank were binge drinkers (57.8%), and 43.8% of binge drinkers consumed eight or more drinks in a row,” according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In addition, factors like social media glamorize the teenage drinking experience. Holidays like Halloween convince students to “relax” and simply “have fun” which often includes alcoholic beverages; not to mention peer pressure from peers to participate in the illegal activity.
“During this period, the desire to fit in and be accepted by peers can be intense, leading to an increased likelihood of succumbing to peer pressure. Adolescents with peers who drink are substantially more likely to consume alcohol themselves,” According to Orlando Recovery Center.
In an environment like Halloween where teens are in costumes and at large house parties, it is hard to prevent tragedies before they occur. Based on statistical evidence, there is always a higher percentage of individuals driving under the influence on holidays. Furthermore, the “double trouble” of impaired judgement due to alcohol and a premature frontal lobe can lead to deadly consequences.
“In fact, 30% of teens involved in fatal crashes consumed alcohol,” according to DUI.org.
When in a situation where alcohol is present, it is absolutely vital to understand how a drink, (or multiple), can affect a whole circle of individuals.
In addition, common alcohol myths prosper among the high school world and convince teens to drink during high-pressure situations like Halloween parties.
“I won’t get caught” is a popular misconception among students in high-school. It is important to remember that teachers, coaches, and other guardians can easily find out about Halloween parties with drinking at the center. In the age of social media, teens are often convinced to post about their Halloweekend adventures which can easily lead to adults finding out.
Additionally, underaged alcohol use is a slippery slope that can result in detrimental health consequences. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, underage usage of alcohol can affect one’s ability to make choices, affect grades, impact a teenager’s relationships, and can even result in Alcohol Use Disorder, (AUD).
A wide-spread belief is that it is of crucial significance that teens are educated on the problems of underage alcohol consumption and think twice before they host a party with alcohol, or take some sips, (or a lot!), at a peer’s house. Have a safe Halloweekend Bears!
