The consumption of alcohol at any age can lead to life long dependencies and health problems. Drinking is more common among men than women, however the gap is closing very steadily. Drinking is more common among persons under 40 and due to the changes in society we drink more at home, get together, restaurants and clubs. Although many drinkers will say they do not have a problem, researchers into the short and long term effects can prove them wrong. There are several levels of alcohol abuse, you have your strict social drinker, your binge drinker and your alcoholic, as well as drinkers all in between.

The legal age to purchase alcohol is 21. An alcoholic beverage is any liquid containing grain alcohol. Beer, wine, wine coolers,champagne, whiskey, brandy and liqueur are the basic types of drinking alcohol.

Unlike many addictive drugs, alcohol is legal. The drinking of alcohol has...