Adolescents in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are allowed to consume light alcoholic beverages from the age of 16. „Consume” means as much as use. Even if you are already old enough to consume alcohol, you should still know some important things about it. Today we would like to give you some tips on how to consume alcohol.
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Tips On How To Handle Alcohol
You should always remember the following tips when you are out drinking with your friends.
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You should abstain from alcohol until the age of 16. Not only because the law says so, but because otherwise your body will suffer. If you start drinking too early, you can expect serious damage to your health.
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Don’t drink too much. Otherwise you run the risk of not being able to defend yourself in emergency situations.
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Alcohol in small amounts is okay. But: Neither teenagers nor adults should drink every day.
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You decide if you want to drink or not. Do not let yourself be talked into anything. It is not always easy to stand by your own opinion. Stay “cool” even if your friends call you “uncool. The truth is that young people don’t really like alcoholic beverages. Yet they drink because others do. If you don’t like it or don’t feel good about it, don’t do it. You are not alone in this.
By the way, even if the law says you can drink, your parents have the final say. If they forbid you to drink alcohol, then you can’t drink – even if you’re over 16. However, most parents are willing to talk to you. In any case, you should not break your parents’ trust. This usually makes the situation even more unpleasant for you.
Drink Less And Still Be “Cool” – Is That Possible?
Do you know this? You’re at a party and everyone is in a good mood. You’re having fun and don’t really need alcohol to enjoy yourself. But your friends tease you and make you look like a square. If you know how, you can drink little or nothing and still avoid your friends’ nasty comments. Today we’ll explain how to do it.
To begin with, you should start with non-alcoholic drinks. Even teenagers who like to drink like to treat themselves to a Coke or something similar before the party really gets started. If you can, it’s best to stick with friends and acquaintances who also don’t like to drink much. You can talk to them in a relaxed atmosphere without being exposed to peer pressure.
If you want to try something alcoholic, it’s best to opt for light drinks like spritzers or radlers mixed with juice. Remember, though, that despite their sweet taste, they contain alcohol. If you want, you can drink a glass of water or something else non-alcoholic in between.
Be careful with spirits and mixed drinks (“alcopops”). They taste wonderfully sweet, but are stronger than wine or beer. You should also be careful with promotions like “happy hour.” Happy hours often offer two drinks for the price of one. Don’t let the discounts tempt you into drinking.
The last tip is especially important. Drinking games are bound to be fun. However, if you’re inexperienced with alcohol or don’t want to get drunk, steer clear of such games. Ask if you can join in with an anti-alcoholic drink. Your friends won’t be angry with you.
Worksheet For The Text
1) What does the word “consume” mean?
2) What tips did you remember? Write them down here.
3) Why are alcopops dangerous?
3) What things besides alcohol make parties fun? Make a collage of newspaper clippings or write something down. Feel free to draw it if you like.
Photo: Ocus Focus /bigstockphoto.com
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