My not so DS12 has been suspended for 5 days!! I am so angry with him right now that I have sent him to his room till A) I speak to his father about it and B) I work out what to do with him.

A boy in his Home Ec class bought a hip flask of vodka to school and they (about 9 of them) all had some.
DS knew it was wrong and hesitated when the lid shot was passed to him but then realised everyone had done it so he thought he had better too! AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH
I think that is why im so angry with him. Not having the backbone to stand up to his friends and not bow to the pair-pressure he felt. He said they werent even pressuring him anyway but he was curious and he didnt want to be left out.
He didnt carry on drinking more like the rest did but that was only because it tasted gross and he didnt like it.
I told him that I completely understand his been curious but that it was incrediably irresponsible and if he had have come home and told us that "so and so bought Vodka to school today and I wanted to try it but didnt" then I would have given him a shot to try here in front of me in our home, knowing full well that straight vodka does taste gross and he wouldnt want to try it again. (please dont judge or shoot me if you dont agree with this)

Im very torn. Although I can see how and why this happened I cant help but think of the bigger picture here. Him being so concerned about his mates and what they think, that he is willing to go against his better judgement and risk possible - actual in this case, trouble.

I get that friends are the be all and end all at his age but it really scares me. This time a silly nip of vodka whats next??

Any advice would be greatly recieved as I want to keep the punishment relative but I also want to instill the long term effects of these kind of situations and deter him as much as possible.