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So why is alcohol and binge drinking so popular? Alcohol is the world’s oldest and most popular recreational drug, and the consumption of alcohol in continuing to increase throughout our population with 50 percent of adults claiming to be regular users in most Western countries (McHugh 4). Alcohol is found almost everywhere and is so easily accessible, which factors into why it is such a common choice. With several different varieties and types to choose from including wine, spirits, liqueurs, and beer, it is easy for an individual to find something they like. Companies and manufacturers are also attempting to make drinks that are more appealing to the younger crowd as well as women. The media plays a large role in the way alcohol is portrayed and its popularity. It is often shown in movies or advertisements that alcohol is used in party scenes and the individuals drinking are having a great time. Alcohol has been developed into our society almost as a culture, where it is used to celebrate occasions, turn to when things do not go well, and generally used as a pastime. Many teenagers and young adults use alcohol to socialize, whether it is for drinking games, partying or going out to clubs and bars. Drinking games tend to result in binge drinking because they promote mass consumption in very short periods of time. This include activities such as beer pong, flip cup, king’s cup, never have I ever and more. These are all very commonly known games that lead to heavy drinking, but since they occur so often at parties and make it easier for people to interact amongst each other, most people choose to participate rather than not. Aside from the enjoyment of the games, some choose to participate or just binge drink to show dominance or increase
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their social status to gain the approval of others over their ability to “hold their alcohol”. Without even weighing the possible consequences of binge drinking, it is merely done to get heavily intoxicated and to glorify those who can achieve certain feats when doing so. It is not always necessarily just the purpose of getting heavily intoxicated for binge drinking, but whereas today it is recognized as making someone socially acceptable if they partake, which is also where many instances of peer pressure come into play. Some individuals claim that they cannot interact socially with others without alcohol. People tend to believe that it gives them more confidence because of the way alcohol alters your mind and perception of situations. A belief like this can be dangerous because thinking that the only way you can socialize with others is through drinking can make an individual dependent on it. Binge drinking has been made popular for getting rapidly intoxicated, the social interactions it can create, as well as the high praised social status it can present to an individual.
