Waking up on the first day of the new year, I felt a sense of relief and clarity, having said goodbye to alcohol. But as I looked at my friends and down the street, I saw a different story. Eyes red and tired, everyone seemed to be showing off their hangovers like trophies. Why has enduring a hangover become a mark of pride, a “flex” in today’s parlance? It’s a peculiar badge of honour, this ‘babalas’ as we call it. Why do young people seem to celebrate the physical aftermath of heavy drinking as if it’s a noteworthy accomplishment?

First off, let’s talk about what a hangover is. After you drink too much, your body reacts with symptoms like headaches, feeling super thirsty, and just overall feeling terrible. Believe it or not, having another drink the next morning doesn’t help; it just delays the inevitable.

But here’s something that really caught my attention. I read a study called “The Effects of Adolescent Alcohol Consumption on Brain Development,” which explained that if you drink a lot when you’re young, it can mess with how your brain grows. That’s a big deal because your brain is still developing in your teens and early twenties.

Now, how can we cut down on drinking too much? There are a few ways. You can talk to someone about changing your drinking habits, or in some cases, there might be medications that can help. Also, joining a group where people support each other in drinking less can be really helpful.

But why do young people get hung up on hangovers? A lot of it comes down to peer pressure. There are two types: the kind where someone outright tells you to drink more and the more sneaky kind, where you just want to fit in, so you drink. Sometimes, if you’re feeling lonely or don’t have many friends, you might be more likely to go along with what the group is doing.

I had a chat with Boitumelo, who’s 23, about this. She’s been through rough hangovers and told me it’s no fun. When I asked why people keep doing it, she said some just get used to it. Others don’t think about the next day’s pain, or they drink for other reasons, like to have fun or deal with problems.

Boitumelo thinks young people often start drinking to forget their troubles. But then it becomes a habit, and they might not even realise how much peer pressure influences them.

So, what’s the takeaway? Drinking isn’t bad in itself, but not knowing when to stop is where the trouble starts. It can lead to fights, addiction, and worse. That’s why it’s important to decide how much you’ll drink and stick to that limit. It’s not just about avoiding a rough morning after; it’s about being responsible and looking after yourself.

Question: Now, I’d love to hear from you. How do you think we can create a culture that promotes responsible drinking among young adults and teens? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – let’s start a conversation about making smart choices and looking out for each other.

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