Teenagers and alcohol

There are many reasons why young people may wish to try alcohol. They may wish to feel older, to fit in with their peers, or may be simply curious. Some teenager's drink to feel more comfortable in social situations, to generally relax, or when in excess, to "out-do" their friends. Over half of teenagers between the ages of fifteen and eighteen already drink alcohol, and this number is on the rise, not to mention the fact that most teenagers that drink alcohol do so to excess, often more than seven drinks at a time!

Parents are often faced with the challenge of discussing the issue of alcohol with teenagers that drink. Even with the most positive of words and demeanours, the fact that alcohol is a conversation topic can be perceived by teenagers to be motivated by suspicion. In the past, prohibition was commonly used by parents, but this often resulted in making the prospect of "drunkenness" more appealing, resulting in secret "binge drinking" sessions. Some parents today, having given up on the issue, are going to the other extreme, supplying copious amounts of alcohol for their under-aged teenagers and their friends, with the belief that they must face the inevitable. This is a sad fact, since many of these young people have to drive home, and knowing that in 1995, over 7,500 people between the ages of seventeen to twenty-four were either seriously injured or killed in road accidents! There certainly is a solution to the problem, and by empowering young people with a tool to enable them to get to know their own BAC, they are in a better position to decide when enough alcohol really is enough, because teenage drunkenness is not inevitable!

The IMSMAAT Breathanalyser can help parents to actively encourage responsible drinking behaviour and awareness in a completely positive way. A great gift idea for teenagers, using the IMSMAAT can help individuals to be more aware of their own tolerance to alcohol, since many people believe that if they "feel okay", then they "must be under the limit", when they are really above 0.05%. It helps young people to determine who will be the "designated driver", and includes a timer that can be used to check the time elapsed since the last drink. Many teenagers are fascinated with finding out their BAC range, and comparing each others results can be a fun thing to do when out with friends. In addition to such irreplaceable benefits, if the kids have taken your car out for a spin, expect to see a reduction of key scratches on your car, the mini torch that is featured on the IMSMAAT Breathanalyser illuminates the keyhole area when entering your precious vehicle!