Alcohol can be a very powerful drug. If you aren't responsible it can lead to serious injury, even death. In turn, alcohol can ruin your life. Many people have sadly come to the realization that one night of fun wasn't worth the consequences. Why does it always have to take such tragic endings for one to realize the effects?

Drinking affects you in many ways. The only thing that seems to be good, is the relaxation you feel when drinking. However, line up this one pro with the numerous cons and it starts looking pretty bad. It affects your liver, pancreas, nervous system, brain and much more. Long term drinking can lead to many things. Personally, I have a grandfather who is now barely able to speak because of his drinking. Drinking almost killed him, and yet he still does it. People don't know when to quit.

Underage drinking is against the law. If the affect to your body doesn't deter you, look at how getting caught will affect you.

If you are underage and are caught with ANY detectable amount of alcohol in your system you could be subject to loss or postponement of driving privileges for 30 to 90 days, 15 to 30 days of community service, and participation in a program of alcohol education and highway safety.

Buy or drink alcohol in a place with an alcoholic beverage license, and you may be fined $500 and lose your driver's license for 6 months. If you don't yet have a driver's license, the suspension starts when you are first eligible to receive a license. And you may be required to participate in an alcohol education or treatment program. If you misrepresent your age or buy liquor for those under 21, the same penalties apply. Drink in a motor vehicle and you will add 30 days of license suspension to your sentence.

If you drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in addition to the penalties mentioned above, you may be subject to the following penalties:

-a fine of $250 - $400
-imprisonment for up to 30 days
-six months to one year license suspension
-a minimum of six hours a day for two days detainment in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), at a charge of $50 a day
-$100 surcharge to be deposited in a drunk driving enforcement fund
-an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for three years
-a Division of Motor Vehicles restoration fee of $50 and a Bureau of Alcohol Counter measures Administrative fee of $80
-a Violent Crimes Compensation Fund fee of $50
-a Safe and Secure Community Program fee of $75