Alcohol is an intoxicating drug whose use can lead to abuse or dependence (alcoholism) in some individuals. Alcohol does not cause a problem of abuse or dependence for many people; however, some individuals experience severe problems with their frequency and quantity of alcohol use, which in turn lead to health problems, family problems, and issues where these individuals work or attend school.
In the United States, it is legal for individuals age 21 and older to purchase alcohol. Although it is illegal for younger individuals to purchase alcohol, it is sometimes possible. The most common method is through the use of "helpful" adults who will purchase alcohol for minors. The use of false identification can be effective in some settings, because of inattentive service staff or the quality of the identification. Some younger individuals are able to purchase alcohol in situations where their fake identification is not requested. It is illegal to sell alcohol to minors. It is also a requirement of law to check identification for individuals except among those who are clearly middle-aged or older. (State law varies on identification policies.)
In other cases, parents either allow minors to consume their own alcohol in their homes or fail to supervise minors, who then may consume alcohol in the parents' unlocked liquor cabinet. Whether in or out of the home, it is still illegal for minors to consume liquor, although very small amounts of alcohol consumed for religious purposes may not be regarded as a problem by law enforcement authorities.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Essay, Research Paper: 
