I made a big discovery a few months ago. I read an article about teenage drinking and alcohol poisoning and it hit home. I went to a party when I was a freshman in HS. I played a quarters game with Juniors and straight whiskey (first time ever drinking). Every guy thought it was funny giving me the shot when they got the quarter in. I tried to get off my chair to go the bathroom and fell flat on my face. That evening was a blackout nightmare. I was told I got sick in one of the guys car and when I got home (not sure how) my parents took me to the hospital. My stomach was pumped for drugs-I had a massive headache the whole weekend. This started my journey to drinking and abusing alcohol. I understand now why I have an addition problem. It only took 40 years of drinking to finally stop.
The article talked about the percentage is 50% or higher of having an addition when you start drinking before the age of 21
Yep, I started drinking at 11, and drinking heavily at 14. It’s crazy the things I was doing at that age. I knew after than first night of drinking that I had a problem, but I didn’t quit for good until I was 28.
I wish I could have quit at that age. Good for you. You will be so health for quitting early. It made it easier for me to quit when I realized how it started.
Julie, I’ve read similar information about drinking young. That’s amazing that it resinated with you! Eye-opening, isn’t it?
I started drinking at about 12 or 13. My friend’s mom severely abused alcohol and gave us alcoholic drinks at that age. How messed up is that?! Little did I know my parents were on the same path and later I would drink with them too. It’s so normalized in society and it’s pure poison. Julie, Jenn, you’re both so brave. And Julie, it took me about that long too. Better late than never! And once you realize the truth about alcohol, you can’t ever un-know it. You ladies rock! Keep up the good work! 
I really appreciate you sharing yes that definitely hits home I started drinking and drugging when I was 13 myself I have 6 years sober now it's crazy when you look back and thinking of starting to drink and Drug at such an early age
So interesting!! Thank you for sharing!!
I started drinking at 14. I cringe thinking about it now. I feel like the past 30+ years have been a huge detour. I’ll b 50 this year and I’m thankful to finally b on the right path. I’m getting to know the real me. I kinda like her 
So awesome Vicky. I’m so happy for you. We both made big detours. I’m happy for our new paths. Being sober reminds me when I was 12 years old riding my bike during the summer. Happy and healthy.
That is great Eric-wow 6 years-I hope I can make it that long!!
Hi Andrea-that is so sad about your friends mom. There were guys in my HS that had parties where their parents would buy kegs for us. Reading that article helped me realize I wasn’t this big screw up and just couldn’t handle my drinks-I had alcohol poisoning from when I was little and I wasn’t a normal drinker. I needed to stop what I was doing to my body.