The legal age for drinking alcohol in America is the age of 21 years . Less than 20 years ago, the drinking ages varied from state to state and were typically set at the age of 18 . Once lawmakers felt that the combination of alcohol and young adults combined together, it often resulted in devastating consequences . Sometimes those devastating consequences required the assistance of Cincinnati DUI lawyers or a Cincinnati DUI lawyer to represent an inexperienced driver arrested for drinking while intoxicated .
There are several reasons that can attribute to becoming an alcoholic or lead to one having a drinking problem. One fact that is enormous factor is your genetic makeup . People that have substance abuse and alcohol abuse addictions usually have a specific gene that makes it easier to become addicted to something . This addiction, unfortunately is often passed from one generation to the next in families. The addiction may not be the same though. For example, a father is a light drinker but rarely drinks much alcohol but has been a heavy smoker for decades despite a couple of cancer spots on his lungs . The father’s addiction is completely to tobacco and smoking. This addictive gene then goes onto his daughter who can not stand the smell of cigarette smoke but becomes addicted to alcohol and the effect it has on her . This addictive trait is often passed on and on in this family and shows itself through various forms of addiction.
Another factor leading to alcoholism is the type of personality the person has and how they choose to deal with stress in their lives. Many people handle stress in various ways and often people like the mellowing effects that alcohol has on them. The greater the stress, the greater the alcohol consumption . Many people do not want to face their stress head on and would rather drink their troubles away to escape their own reality . This dangerous pattern often leads to an alcohol problem.
Some people become dependent on alcohol while they are quite young and give in to social pressures. Many teenagers and college age students feel pressured to fit in by drinking alcohol at parties. Many socially uncomfortable and shy stuents realize that when they consume alcohol they become a lot more outgoing and think that they are more fun and confident to be around. Because of this feeling at this still maturing and young age, many become dependent on alcohol well before they are even at the legal drinking age .
Whether it is to get away from pain or stress or their body is genetically disposed to an addiction to something like alcohol, many Americans suffer from this disease. Recognizing this addiction is frequently discussed and accepted now and people are entering alcoholic rehabilitation programs at a steady rate these days. The more aware people are of the devastating problems alcoholism has on individuals and families, the more people will get assistance .