From an alcohol content perspective, alcohol is alcohol is alcohol, regardless of what one chooses to drink. Alcohol does not enhance athletic performance. It is a sedative which hinders judgement and coordination, impairs perception, and slows response time and mental processes. Reaction time, balance, coordination, and speed are reduced for 14 - 24 hours after having only a few drinks. Strength and power may be negatively affected for several days after drinking.
Alcohol is also a diuretic which increases urine output and causes dehydration.
This lengthens recovery time after exercise and rehabilitation time after injury. While this information offers good reasons for young student-athletes to choose not to drink alcohol, the most compelling arguments against the use of alcohol by young people may come from parents, coaches, and other significant adult role models. Billions of dollars are spent annually on alcohol marketing. Student-athletes receive many messages promoting their use of alcohol. Many of these messages are subtle hints that alcohol use will improve athletic ability, increase their chances of being successful in life, and make them more sexually attractive.