Underage Drinkers Now Particular About What They Are Drinking
Written by Elaine Wilson, Posted on , in Section Turn For The Better
A startling new study has found that underage drinkers have gotten particular about what kind of alcohol they are consuming. Teens aren’t just drinking what is around the house—they have, in fact, developed a preference for their brand and type of illegal alcohol.
The study was published by Boston University and lead by Dr. Michael Siegel, a professor of community health sciences at Boston University’s School of Public Health. Siegel tells us, “Underage drinkers are not just adopting the brand choices modeled by their parents or other adults. Other factors are influencing which brands of alcohol young people are consuming.”
What Are Teens Drinking?
The study relates that the brands/kinds of liquor that are being consumed most by the young drinkers are Smirnoff Malt Beverages, Jack Daniel’s Whiskeys, Mike’s Malt Beverages, Absolut Vodkas, Heineken, Bacardi Malt Beverages, Grey Goose Vodkas, Malibu Rums, Keystone Light, Patron Tequilas, Corona Extra Light, Jack Daniel’s Cocktails, Burnett’s Vodkas, Bud Ice, and Natural Ice Beer.
As a fairly new drinker myself, even in my 30’s, most of the brands listed here are exactly what I have tried. I have never developed a “taste” for real wine, still have yet to drink an entire beer, and can only handle the “fruity” drinks. Mike’s and Smirnoff’s Malt Beverages are easier to consume for most “new” drinkers, and probably have a lot to do with a teen’s choice. Vodka is easily mixed into fruit juice, and beers like Keystone and Corona are not only “light” in taste, but cheaper beer, and thus easier on a 16-year-old’s small wallet.
Regardless of choice, it is worrisome that underage drinkers are having enough alcohol to have a “preference” at all. The teens should not be getting even a “taste” let alone developing a system of favorites. But every year, over 4,000 youth under the age of 21 die as a result of alcohol use. That is a staggering number of people who could have so easily avoided their death, and should be here to carry us into the future.
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