This message isn't just for girls or boys. It's not just for teenagers, young adults, or middle aged humans. This message is simply to everyone-- every age, gender, race and human being in the world.

Earlier and earlier people are doing things out of peer pressure. Teenagers especially believe that if they do not do something that their other peers do, it makes them not "cool" for a lack of better terms. Let me tell you, it makes you mature.

I'll pick on alcohol, because it's the one many teenagers, seem to start with first. Drinking alcohol is not healthy, especially for young people. Drinking causes liver damage, loss of memory, loss of coherence, and in some serious cases, death. I know that it may seem like this article is all about "preaching to the choir", but it's not.

I remember more than one occasion before I stepped foot on a college campus that I was offered alcohol. I thought to myself what every teenager thinks, "Will it make me cooler to drink?" "Will they like me more if I drank?" "Will I get looked down upon for not taking that opportunity?" I thought about it inside and sat up proudly, with a smile and declined.

I got to college almost two years ago, and I had seven other roommates. We were all eighteen or nineteen and every single one of them drank, except me. There were many times I was excluded out of things simply because I didn't drink. Did it hurt me? Yes. Did it sway my decision on drinking? Absolutely not. I can remember college because I don't drink. I can have fun without drinking. Alcohol isn't my scene and that is okay.

Let me get personal. For everyone who doesn't know me, you wouldn't know that my brother was an alcoholic. I won't share all of the details, but it has changed me forever. I can remember multiple occasions when I would be home when he came stumbling into the house. I can remember the sheer look on his face, which was a look of absolutely nothing. There was no human there. No feelings, no emotions, just liquor. Multiple times I've heard him fall on the bathroom or basement floor. It was nothing to him, because he wasn't there. I've witnessed a complete change in someone and another change in one fighting back.

We are eight years apart, which is a large difference. We used to be incredibly close. He'd babysit me everyday after school, we'd play sports, video games, and he even coached one of my soccer teams. I didn't notice a prevalent change until he went to college, although it had been there since high school. It was hard for my parents, because they raised a good kid (and by good, I mean excellent). He was an athlete, member of Quiz Bowl and an all-around good student. It was hard for me because I never had experiences with it.

Once he went to college, there was a drastic change. He barely came home and when he did, it wasn't for seeing my family, it was for laundry. It was hard to catch up, not seeing him. He eventually dropped out after two years. When he turned 21, there was a big change in attitude. The temper was out of control, and any little thing would set him off. The mindset wasn't there, to the point where he quit a good job.

It's been a few years since then. Now he rarely drinks, unless there's a wedding with an open bar or a holiday. He is as slim as he's ever been. He runs everywhere. He's different but not the same as he used to be. He beat alcoholism. I give him major props for doing so, but what if he never gave in, in the first place? Would there be this much hurt, frustration and anger today?

The cycle of alcoholism grabs people and takes them hostage. Once you get sucked in, your entire life becomes consumed with this nasty addiction if you let it.

I'm not here to tell adults of legal age (21+) to never drink. What I'm saying to you is to drink responsibly.

Think of the many family and friends you will lose if it gets too far.

Think of your beloved dog who will wonder why you never came home.

Think of the amazing opportunities life will give you.

And you're going to what? Give it up for alcohol.

Instead of being excited for your 21st birthday because of the ability to drink, be excited for many new memories. Don't be my brother. Feel empowered to say no.