Teenagers are the same all over the world and all are subject to peer pressure and are vulnerable to the various advertising campaigns that are aimed at them, especially were alcohol is concerned.
That is true that the media also plays a big role in influencing how teens and people in general see alcohol.
The bright lights, along the sounds of laughter and the alcohol running in the veins... totally obscure the mind. Even more if drugs are involved. Sordid nights those were... your post reminded me of all that and more. I am so glad I am where I am now I never ever want to go back to the same thing... ever. So happy where I am now, I truly am. Just to remember what that awful tequila with grapefruit soda did to my stomach and to my colon (I suffer from IBS and colitis) gives me goosebumps.