Thesis Statement:  Because of its harmful effects, something must be done to keep alcohol out of the hands of under aged drinkers.

    A major problem with alcohol use is the direct relationship to suicide (Youth Drinking 2).  In fact, 20% of suicides are associated with alcohol use (Alcohol Statistics 1).  In a study testing the suicide rate of young girls, results showed that over 37% of eighth grade girls who do not drink alcohol have attempted suicide while only 11% of eighth grade girls who do not drink alcohol have attempted suicide (Bowers 2).  This study alone shows how much effect alcohol has on a person's decision to commit suicide.  Some patters of drinking with alcohol abuse are failure to fulfill work responsibilities, drinking in dangerous situations (such as drinking and driving), and having legal problems related to alcohol abuse ("Getting the Facts").  These patters may result in an overwhelming amount of stress or peer pressure, which also may be a reason why adolescents commit suicide.

    Additionally, alcohol can affect a person or adolescent in long-term situations.  Some long-term effects of drinking alcohol are cancer of the liver, cancer of the esophagus, cancer of the throat, and cancer of the voice box ("Getting the Facts").  Therefore, even if adolescents do not develop alcoholism or go on to use stronger drugs, they are still more likely to develop "life threatening cancers that can affect them for the rest of their lives" (Indigo 82).  In addition to cancers and illnesses, adolescents can also get in car crashes more easily when they are under the influence of alcohol.  An astonishing fact is that 20% of fatal car crashes that involve drivers ages fifteen to twenty also involve alcohol ("Youth Drinking" 3).  This fact is incredible considering that they are not of legal age even to be drinking alcohol, let alone driving with it, which is illegal no matter what age a person is.