The Drinking Dilemma

by Shruti Purohit

photographs by Thuy Ly

Clubs, bars, house parties-that’s where you can find many college students on their weekend nights.  Having a few drinks with people seems like a great way to  meet new friends and have some fun.

“Relax yourself and kick back with a beer after a long day of work”-that is the mentality many of us have. But, is that a decision made by your own free will or a hasty choice in order  to be accepted by others?

“When I first came to college it was kind of weird because I didn’t drink,” Kshama Upadhyaya, a student at  The University of Texas, said.  “It kind of made me feel like I was not fun or something, but then later on I found others who didn’t drink as well and it was fine.”

At first consideration, peer pressure does not  seem to be an issue for those who do not  drink. Many girls go to college believing that they would not be pressured into making choices they do not feel comfortable with.

“I have never really felt pressure to do something.  I am not big on peer pressure.  If I don’t want to do something-I won’t,” Chandni Bhakta, a student at  The University of Texas, said.

However, a little curiosity about drinking can easily sway even the most stoic person. Night after night of seeing your friends with drinks in their hand and having the time of their life, is definitely not easy to deal with.

“I don’t know why I started drinking.  People used to offer me drinks in the beginning all the time, but once they knew I didn’t drink they didn’t bother me with it,” Upadhyaya said.  “I think I just started to see what the big deal was about.”

Though 21 might be the golden age for legalized drinking, many college students start drinking right when they get to college-at the age of 18. Regardless, the legal age is just that. It’s the only age where you are safe to pick up a cup and not get caught in a web of trouble.

“I waited until I was 21 because I wanted to be legal and not worry about getting in trouble.  Plus I think you should wait to experience something like that because if you already drink from the beginning it’s not a big deal at 21 then,” Bhakta said.

Worst on the totem pole of social drinking, is constantly explaining why you are not drinking. Those nights, it seems everyone is curious to know why you don’t have a drink in your  hand.

“This last semester I didn’t drink because of some family reasons, and everyone kept asking me why I wasn’t drinking.  I always had to give them an explanation,” Bhakta said.

At the end of the day, to drink or not is more of a personal choice, which your friends will have to understand.

“My friends back home started drinking at a really early age so I am used to it.  It doesn’t bother me that they drink and I don’t,” Roshni Jariwala, a student at the University of Texas-San Antonio, said.  “This is my choice for me, and they understand that.”

Although it may seem that  drinking is the only way to have fun in college, many students are in agreement that there are alternative activities.  Sober activities like planning dinners, going to the movies, and planning game nights can be just as fun with a large group of people.

“I don’t think you have to drink in order to have fun.  There are plenty of other things to do like play games and hang out with friends,” Jariwala said.

The choice to refuse that cup offered to you can be difficult.  However, it’s important to remember, there does not need to be pressure or judgments. It’s your choice to make once you have taken the time to inform yourself on the effects of your decision.

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