Okay, im 18 just, but have obviously like many teenagers drank from about 14. but my parents were sensible about it. i was only allowed an alchopop or two at parties(family do's) from about 14/15. i think its fine if u do not treat the whole thing as a massive deal. i had a pretty mature attitiude to drink, i didnt feel the need to get drunk wen i was out, i didnt cos it was always there and i knew if i wanted a drink i cud just ask my parents , they like it better that they cud see me in the house instead of down sum alleyway hiding it and getting wasted.

neway, that was fine until about 6/7 months ago when ive bin able to go out more. now tho i can afford to go out more, i am out with freinds and have more money. i never actually tried to start getting drunk we just had a massive long party. from then now every time i go out-every other weekend, soon to be more often once exams r done-we get wasted. but not just wasted on a few alcopops. a typical nite is: start in freinds house with 3 alcopops(smirnoffs), then maybe try two glasses of sumthin else, then recently weve bin taking a few tequilla shots...like 5 shots. then we get there and have maybe 3 more drinks and a shot. i think i sound stupid, but on a scale is this bad.

see ive bin in and out of depression, and in the morning after this i feel so so so down(dangerously down), i know alchohol is a depressant. but is the amount im drinking dangerous if i keep it up. i dont rely on it, but im shy and it gives me guts, but i go out with another group of mates i dnt know so well and dnt really drink, but i will admit we dont have as much fun. without sounding stupid and niave, cud sum1 tell me whats in store if i keep up this much alchohol and this often(every other weekend). thanx xoxo

You need to stop drinking asap.Alchohol is a depressant and your feeling the effects.If you really have to you can go to the doctor and get a small prescription of valium.Valium effects the gaba receptors in your brain the same as alchohol does and this will help you to stay calm if you think you need it.College is tuff to stay away from drinking but you have to face the facts that your already experiencing problems with it.Stop now and have a productive life.Good luck and come back and talk.....Dave

I'm not sure if your into reading, but I just finished reading the book "Smashed" its a true story about a girl who REALLY started drinking when she got into college because that was the only time she didnt feel awkward being around people it was the only way she felt normal until it finally spiraled out of control and she had to completly stop. Your story sounds alot like hers and I recommend you read it might give you some insight of what might lie ahead for you. I have always felt as if I needed a drink to be social or be around others while out to relax me a little more. But then I would end up wasted make a total *** of myself had panic attacks everytime the phone rang cause I knew it was someone calling saying I cant believe you did that last night I would just get sick. I had to stop eventually, now I can have just one or two beers to take the edge off I know that sounds bad and I'm fine I no longer loose control of my drinking and I actually can function the next day which is a great thing. I really hope you read that book I think it will help alot. But it will only get worse if you dont get a handle on it now. You wont know how to do anything without a couple of drinks and it will be horrible. I once read if you think you might have a problem you probably do. Not saying that you do, but might be heading down that path. And alcohol might lead to other drugs too people do stupid things when drunk. Good luck. Kim

I think it's very concerning that your parents have such an open attitude about underage drinking. I have teenagers and although we are very open with each other, I do not allow them to drink at home. I know my son drinks on occasion away from home, because he tells me, but I don't feel that allowing your teenager to drink at home will divert them from drinking away from home. Now to the point, as the child of an alcoholic, a moderate drinker, and clincally depressed myself, I don't think anyone could stress to you strongly enough that you need to stop drinking now!!! Perhaps therapy to help deal with your shyness (me too!!) as well as the stresses of your life, school, etc. As for shots (yes, I'm a shot drinker also) stop them now!!! You are too young to truly appreciate how difficult this will make your life. Seriously, perhaps you can find a counselor at school or through your medical insurance. Interview them, find one you feel comfy with, and go regularly. I wish I had it done it earlier. Then you can have some alcohol pops without getting silly or becoming a drunk, and your depression can be treated appropriately. Good luck.

When I was young I drank to be a part of the IN-crowd. It wasn't long before I was IN. (insane insecure and in debt). Alcohol took me on a road that I did not want to travel. I began going places that I didn't want to be and doing things that I didn't want to do. Alcohol really had me in it's clutches, today I am sober for almost 32 years with the help of A A. I have more friends now than I ever had when I was drinking. My answer to your question is "If you think drinking is becoming a problem then it probably is."
You don't have to stay but take a look at AA. The only requirement for AA is a desire to stop drinking.
Good Luck
Cliff

i know alchohol is a depressant. but is the amount im drinking dangerous if i keep it up. i dont rely on it, but im shy and it gives me guts, but i go out with another group of mates i dnt know so well and dnt really drink, but i will admit we dont have as much fun. without sounding stupid and niave, cud sum1 tell me whats in store if i keep up this much alchohol and this often(every other weekend). thanx xoxo

Yes, the amount of alcohol you are drinking is dangerous. You will become dependant on it, if you aren't already. Your parents are not very smart and are probably acholholics themselves. Alcohol is actually poison to your brain and kills brain cells. That is why you have a hangover if you drink too much. Continue and you will be dealing with much larger issues than having a fun time.