Just One Drink...

“Everybody is doing it.”  “No one will know.”  “Your parents won’t find out.”  “You’re the only one that hasn’t tried it yet.”  “But, it’s a party.”  “Just a sip.” “Come on just try it!”  If you are over the age of 12, odds are that you have been confronted with at least one of these statements before.  Alcohol is not only the most abused substance among teenagers, but it is also the most common danger to a teen’s life foundation.

Staggering Statistics of Teen Drinking:

• Drunk driving is the #1 cause of death among teenagers.

• Alcohol kills 6.5 times more young people than all other illicit drugs combined.

• Youth who drink alcohol are 16 times more likely to use other illegal drugs.

• Youth who drink are far more likely to fall victim to (or participate in) violent crimes, including rape.

• A staggering 40% of people who start drinking before the age of 15 will eventually become alcoholics.

• More than 4000 young people die each year as a result of alcohol poisoning.

If a person knew nothing about alcohol and just used the six quick facts stated above to determine if they were going drink, what do you think their answer would be?  Surely the answer would be “No, way!”  Why would anyone ever decide to allow alcohol into their lives?  It is illogical, irrational, illegal, unhealthy, and high-risk to say the least.  Anyone should be able to see that the risks are not worth the payoff.  The cost of letting alcohol into one’s life far outweighs any type of benefit.  

As with every choice you make in life, think before you act.  Be aware that society, your friends, and your sinful nature are always out to influence your decision making. You will be the product of your choices.   I can’t think of one single reason why a teenager should ever say yes to alcohol! Don’t be afraid to be different.  Remember popularity of a choice does not make it right.  God has called you to be separate, a people called out.   You are to be Holy. Your standards are higher because you know that you are accountable to God.  

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed… (Rom. 12:1).”

—Trey Talley

Trey Talley is a leader of Team Impact, a gifted motivational speaker who has a unique ability to speak compelling truth to young people with love and sincerity, and the author of “Teen Construction Zone: Building a strong foundation for a great life”. www.TreyTalley.com