For Lent this year, I gave up drinking and alcohol. Underage drinking is really popular at most colleges and universities. According to the CDC, people from ages 12 to 20 years old drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States. More than 90% of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinks. I took the 40-day period of Lent to self-reflect on why drinking was so popular among my friends, myself and other people under 21.
1. Drinking isn’t necessary to have a good time
Don’t get me wrong, drinking can definitely help keep the party going, but it isn’t necessary to function.
2. Being designated driver isn’t always that bad, it’s quite entertaining
At times, a car full of drunk people can get annoying and you begin to think “I am not an Uber. I am not being paid for this. Everyone shut up.” But by the end of the night, knowing all of your friends are home safe is a satisfying feeling.
3. I relied on alcohol as a stress reliever
If I was having a bad day or was a little stressed a nice glass of wine was always my go to. Without alcohol, I got into some new Netflix series and read some great books that helped to relax me.Via Giphy
4. Quality time with my friends, with or without alcohol, is always a good time
Any time that I can spend with my closest girlfriends is time that I cherish. We all have such busy schedules and getting all together means so much to me. I didn’t necessarily need alcohol for us to spend that quality time together. Via Giphy
5. I cannot wait to turn 21!
The fun of going out for drinks with my friends or coming home to a nice glass of wine is in my near future and I cannot wait! Via Giphy
Overall, giving alcohol up for Lent was not as bad as I thought it would be. I just know I’m super excited to turn 21 now.