One distinctive feature of most teenagers' party photos is the number of drinks (and we are not talking nice fruity punches) these underage individuals are downing. That famous and all-telling lemon in hand indicates a growing trend amongst teens to give alcohol a try much before the designated legal age of 21. “We have noticed a disturbing trend in the past couple of years,” says Mukta Puntambekar of Muktangan Rehabilitation Centre. “Initially we would receive people at the centre who were alcoholic from ages 30 and older but now we are receiving people from ages 20 and older. Dependence on alcohol takes a few years to develop so this shows that a lot of alcoholics have started drinking at ages 15-17. I frankly find this alarming.”

Where in that amber-coloured potent liquid lies the appeal for the city's youngsters? Reasons for underage drinking could include peer pressure, boredom, low self-esteem, emotional issues or family problems. Many teenage drinkers say they drink when they are upset or depressed. “ I think a lot of my peers like the way they feel when they have a drink, whether it is at a pub or at a party at somebody's house,” says 17-year-old Prachi Kanetkar.

A lot of teens grow fond of the calm and easy feeling they get, most commonly called 'the buzz', once they've had a drink or two. “It gives you a sense of well being and relaxation. I like the feeling,” says Dhruv Patel, 16.

Most teens view getting drunk with their friends as a rite of passage. Puntambekar adds why she feels more and more teens are reaching for the hard drinks, “ It's a common misconception amongst youngsters that drinks make you happy and relieves stress or boosts your confidence.” She goes on to mention the parent's role in all of this,” Parents must be careful about the message they send to their kids. Implying to your children in any way that alcohol helps you deal with stress makes them believe it's natural to be dependent on alcohol. Parental tolerance is also a reason underage drinking is on the rise.”

Most Puneites have been witness to groups of youngsters being served plenty of hard drinks at various Pune establishments. Some of them, however, are extremely stern when dealing with underage customers. “We are very strict,” says Batul, manager of Soho Bar. “If a group of youngsters want to order alcohol, we don't allow them.” Agrees Khodu Irani, owner of High Spirits, “We never serve alcohol to our underage customers. We check I-cards at the entrance to the bar area itself. “

Kiva Lounge infact has a notice outside its establishment reading—'Persons below 21 years of age will not be served liquor.' “We have bouncers and security at the entrance and those who we suspect are underage are politely turned away,” says Kiran Chavan of Kiva Lounge. “I don't think bar owners should have any scruples about not allowing young kids from getting drunk. It is our moral responsibility.”

For youngsters who find themselves getting hooked to drinking habitually Puntambekar says, “The first thing you have to do is accept that you have a problem. Lots of people go into denial about their addiction. Second, you have to ask for help. Talk openly about your addiction to someone you trust. Third, approach a rehabilitation centre as soon as you can.”
 

Also Read
* Another attack in Oz: Two men hit by beer bottle
* Gimme a beer, you imbecile!
* Burglar bungled by shot-putting 12-pack of beer!
 

Tag: DOWNING, FAMOUS, ALCOHOL, GROWING TREND, TREND TEENS, GROWING TREND TEENS, HAND A, A GROWING, DESIGNATED, HAND, TREND, GROWING, ALL-TELLING, LEMON, AGE, GIVE, TEENS, LEGAL, BEER, BEST BEER, ,