Response to, "My Friend Michelle, an Alcoholic"

    In America, the legal alcohol drinking age for citizens is twenty-one, and although this is the law, many teenagers choose to illegally ingest these beverages. In the student essay, “My Friend Michelle, an Alcoholic”, which can be found on page 338 of The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers, the author, Bridgid Stone, discusses the problems her friend had with alcohol. Although the author never directly stated if her friend was of the legal drinking age, she does inform us that they are both college students. The author then delves deeply into the many instances where alcohol became a problematic substance in her friend Michelle’s life. For instance, Michelle constantly announces her want to go out and get drunk and even does so to the point that it makes her miss her classes. When she goes out and partakes in these parties she gets so drunk that she will, without a doubt, have to be carried back to her dorm room, where she will most likely get sick. When the author finally confronts her about her drinking issues, Michelle swiftly brushes off her concerns and questions whether she should finally go to class, or go out and get drunk again. Sadly, Michelle chooses to go out and get drunk, rather than attend her classes, which seems to be the breaking point for the author. The author decides at that point to move out of their shared dorm and doesn’t see Michelle as frequently. When the author does see Michelle, she learns of the new consequences that she is facing due to her drinking, and unfortunately Michelle seems to have no regrets.
    Personally, I do not party and really don’t have a want to do it. I do, however, know of people who choose this type of lifestyle. While I cannot scorn them for doing it, because it’s their life and not mine, I do hope that they don’t become as out of control as the author’s friend, Michelle, did. Alcohol may seem like no big deal to some people, but what they may not realize is that you can become addicted to it. Once someone is addicted they may actually be considered an alcoholic, and they would require some serious help to overcome their issues. While people choose to drink alcohol for several reasons, I just do not see the need for it. Why can’t you have fun and be sober while doing it? Why do people believe all their life problems will be solved if they choose to drink? Truthfully, I believe there are a lot of misconceptions about alcohol and it really can be dangerous to a person. I can only hope that more people will read Bridgid Stone’s important essay and will realize the dangers of alcohol and partying.