I made many mistakes growing up. Some were harmless; some were more serious, which helped me to mature. The one that has had the biggest impact, not only on my life but the lives of others, nearly took my life.

On my eighteenth birthday, some of my friends decided to take me out to "have a good time." I was what they called a goody-goody; I never really got in trouble. They decided to buy some alcohol. Alcohol? I was surprised, but so worried about what others thought that I agreed, even though my instincts and heart said No!

I'd always listened to my parents, teachers, and the media explain how alcohol, and drugs are bad for you. I knew the consequences, but I wanted to be like everyone else and fit in. So, I took my first drink. I drank almost half a bottle of vodka, and by then it was like water to me. I could not feel it burn my insides, or even taste it. I felt so weird. It was a feeling I had never had before. I drank half a bottle of gin straight. By then I was so messed up I could not even say my own name.

I am more than blessed to be alive right now. I quickly realized that the people I called "friends" were not my friends at all. True friends do not let their friends drink or put their lives in danger. I should have been stronger mentally and had enough respect for myself to say no, but I did not, and I cannot change what happened. All I can do is learn from it.

Instead of making me look cool, it made me seem immature and irresponsible. I lost the respect, and trust of my parents and peers. I hurt so many people with that one mistake. I cannot emphasize enough how alcohol is a dead end and destructive.

Inspector, and told him what had happened and who was involved. It was my first offense, so they gave me thirty hours of community service, and I had to write a letter to the headquarters explaining what I had learned.

I left the hospital as soon as I was stable. My sister was waiting in the living room not knowing what was going on. I went straight upstairs, and my mom helped wash the vomit from my hair. I went to bed. For three days I had headaches, but this wasn't over yet.

I was a minor with alcohol po

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Approximate Word count = 770
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)