*Name changed for privacy of those interviewed.

He woke up with no memories from the night before, only the feeling of guilt sweeping over his body. He tried to remember what happened, but all the memories were fuzzy and distorted. It was the first time he had drank heavily, and his mind and body were suffering the consequences.

“My friends had to drive my car home for me and find their own ride after they dropped my car off,” *John, sophomore, said. “My friend had to hold my back and my shirt while I threw up and I’m completely embarrassed by the way I acted and how much I relied on my friends. I feel guilty; I took the fun out of their night because they had to take care of me.”

This recent event impacted John’s opinion on teen drinking. He is neither against it nor for it. John said teenagers occasionally drinking a few sips of alcohol to have fun is acceptable; however, he disagrees with using it to hide emotions someone may not want to feel.

“People are going to [drink] no matter how bad the consequences are,” John said. “If they do it once in a while in proportion, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

To try and stop the issue of teen drinking altogether, organizations, such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), and presenters attempt to spread knowledge of the dangers of alcohol to students. However, John said in reality these efforts are not preventing teen drinking.

“[The organizations came] to school and the kids still do it,” John said. “Whether it’s to look cool or to have fun, it’s not working. No matter what kids are going to keep [drinking].”

Although John said the organizations and speakers have not impacted many teenagers, he believes those who were touched by the presenters will help enforce the message upon their peers. However, he hopes organizations and speakers will find new ways to reach all students and decrease teen drinking.

For now, teen drinking still remains a controversy. John said at Kirkwood parties, teen drinking is a regular sight along with the one or two students throwing up, incapable of controlling themselves from drinking too much alcohol.

Since John has had only one experience similar to those out of control, he understands what they are going through but at the same time feels embarrassed for them. Unfortunately, when it is his friends who fall victim to too much alcohol it can be a difficult situation to be in.

John said he feels for both sides of the teen drinking issue. If his peers drink, he will not judge them or make fun of them for it. For those who choose not to drink, he respects their decision. However, John strongly disagrees with the idea of his peers continuously becoming intoxicated on a regular basis.

The most haunting part of John’s drunken night was how he does not remember the event. He does not remember his friends driving him home. He does not remember his parents and friends aiding him while he was throwing up. However, he does remember the feeling of guilt after it all was over.

“I wish it didn’t happen,” John said. “[But] I think my punishment fits the crime I did, so I’m happy with my situation.”