An occasional young person drinks as an act of rebellion against parents who forbid it, in an unfortunate effort to “show them” who’s boss. While some independence is to be expected during the teen years, rebellion by way of unwholesome pursuits can be, and often is, harmful at the time—and for years ahead.

Are You Expected to Drink?

Young people rightly want to belong. There is a strong urge to conform and to do what the group expects, especially during the teen years. What many young people fail to recognize is that it is the person who does not drink who conforms to what is generally expected.

Continuing polls of young people conducted by Purdue University indicate that the overwhelming majority disapprove of drinking. The latest survey in 1957 found 60 per cent definitely opposed to drinking and another 12 per cent saying that although they were undecided they probably disapproved.

Whether or not you personally are expected to drink depends almost completely upon your family and your crowd. Some groups of young people include social drinking as a part of their activities. If their parents drink, young people are much more likely to be expected to drink. Other groups of young adults feel that drink is not necessary. They do not like to rely on artificial stimulation to keep their affairs interesting. They feel that they have resources enough in themselves not to have to depend upon alcohol. If you go with a crowd that drinks, they probably expect you to drink. However, if you wish, you can find other friends who choose not to spend their leisure hours and money on drink.

To Drink or Not to Drink?

If you’re out with a group that is drinking you may feel that you are obligated to take a drink yourself. You may be afraid that the crowd will call you “chicken” if you refuse to drink. Social pressure is difficult to oppose. Many teen-agers, however, have found for themselves effective measures for refusing drinks without seeming prudish.

“I’ll Have Coke”

If you want to keep peace among your friends, don’t sound off on the evils of alcohol when you are offered a drink. It’s not necessary to make others feel uneasy. When asked what he wants to drink, one boy brightly replies, “I’ll have Coke, straight, please.” This approach provides an easy out. His friends are amused at his remark rather than irritated by his refusal. He often finds others having their Coke straight too. Maybe they just needed a way to say “No.” If you know for sure that you want to refuse the drink, your problem in refusing is not difficult.

Principles Pay Off

If you’re out with a person who wants to drink, and you yourself don’t drink, what do you do? How can you let him know how you feel about drinking without making him think you are prudish? One teen-age girl reports that she was very concerned when her crowd started to drink. She didn’t want to drink and preferred that her date abstain also.