The Causes and Effects of Underage Drinking

The Causes and Effects of Underage Drinking Even though underage alcoholism has turned out to be a major social problem in the twenty first century, extensive campaigns along with education pertaining to the effects of this social problem can be used to prevent and tackle it effectively. It should be noted that not only are these preventative measures economical, but they can also be easily implemented by educators and parents. Merino (2007) notes that bringing down the rate of this social problem among teenagers and young adults has turned out to be a major issue of concern in almost all sectors of life. It has been revealed that abuse of alcohol is indeed a serious issue among young persons that requires logical solutions to address it (Hingson, Heeren & Winter, 2006).

University, high school and college students are believed to form the largest percentage of young people struggling with alcohol abuse.

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Alcohol intake among teenagers is not a modern day problem; it has over the last few years remained an issue of concern among adolescent populations not only in the United States but also in other parts of the world. Various reports on behavioral and other emotional problems conclude that a strong link exists between consumption of alcohol among adolescents and these problems (Hingson, Heeren & Winter, 2006). It has also been revealed that heavy drinking during adolescent years may act as an entry point to consumption of hard drugs (United States Congress, 2010). Shocking statistics concerning criminal activities carried out by young persons reveal that most of these activities are conducted when these people are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (Merino, 2007). Albeit some people arguing that these statistics are not supported by facts, it is important to note that it is rare for young people to engage in life threatening activities if they have not taken alcohol or other substances.

It, however, should be noted that in spite of alcohol consumption being a widespread social problem it can be managed and also prevented if proper measures are put in place. A large proportion of people have pointed out that advertisements related to beer and other alcoholic drinks are the main factors that result in an increase in the rate of consumption of alcohol among the youth (Hingson, Heeren & Winter, 2006). On the other hand, the media has taken up the obligation of enlightening the entire population concerning the dangers of alcoholism and other social vices. These campaigns together with information provided to students and young persons by their parents, teachers and instructors can significantly reduce the rate of alcoholism among those who occupy this age bracket.

It has been revealed that the rates at which students engage in alcoholism in schools that have laid down early intervention and prevention strategies in addition to education programs are lower as compared to learning institutions that have not implemented such programs (Merino,

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2007). Even though some people argue that these programs do not have the capacity to reduce alcoholism among the youth, it should be noted that providing young persons with relevant information concerning a social problem, be it alcoholism or drug abuse, is a vital procedure in the fight against unsocial behaviors. It is important that educators together with school administrators set up educative programs where all students are made aware of the disadvantages of alcoholism. Collaborative plans made between teachers, parents, treatment agencies and various social groups are believed to play a major role in the fight against alcoholism and drug abuse among young persons (Merino, 2007). These groups collaboratively ensure that programs projected towards fighting misguided social behaviors are in place for the benefit of the entire community.

The U.S. Department of Education has also pointed out that the war against underage alcoholism cannot be won if parents are not involved. Research has revealed that a large number of students who are exposed to a harsh family life tend to engage in alcoholism as a way of escaping from the reality (Bonnie & O'Connell, 2004). On the other hand, parents who offer advice and guidance to their children on matters regarding alcoholism play an essential role in preventing a looming danger. Social groups have pointed out that the kind of upbringing provided to children largely determines the type of people they will end up being later in life (United States Congress, 2010). It is therefore the role of parents to ensure that their children are provided with guidance, protection as well an environment that will significantly reduce their chance of engaging in alcoholism.

Statistics reveal that approximately 5,000 young persons below 21 years of age experience negative effects associated with alcoholism yearly. Deaths resulting alcoholism related accidents are believed to increase day after day. Studies show that individuals who

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engage in alcoholism during their early years are at a higher risk of developing alcohol related problems later in life (United States Congress, 2010). Additionally, underage drinking increases an individual’s risk of developing alcohol dependence at a certain point in life.

In order to enhance the fight against underage alcoholism, parents and educators should take up the responsibility to enlighten young people that alcoholism besides leading to socially unacceptable behaviors can result in death. Schools have been known to emphasize on discipline as a way of preventing students from engaging in illegal behaviors (Ellul, 2008). Teachers and also parents are required to take action when they realize that an adolescents in involved in drugs. They should always be on the lookout for signs that may portray abuse of drugs. Young persons who present with serious cases of alcohol abuse should be referred for professional assistance.

It is however important to prevent young people from engaging in drugs rather than waiting until the problem has progressed to late stages when it becomes almost totally impossible to manage. As a prevention strategy, schools should focus on instructing students on drugs in addition to helping them develop the capacity together with attitudes that will make it easy for them to avoid drugs (Bonnie & O'Connell, 2004). Parents and teachers are known to significantly influence on young person’s attitudes, opinions and also knowledge. It would therefore be beneficial if teachers incorporated strategies focusing on drug prevention into their subjects at all levels (Ellul, 2008). It would also be helpful if teachers came up with activities that call for students to consider a variety of options before making their final decision. These activities are believed to have the potential to enhance a student’s decision making capacity. As a result, students are able to recognize that alcoholism does not only destroy their current lives, but it also negatively impacts on their future.

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In order for success to be achieved in the fight against drugs among teenagers, intervention strategies should be supported from all sectors of life. Heads of learning institutions, for instance, should offer an opportunity for tutors to hold discussions and ponder on the way forward as far as this issue is concerned. They should also make sure that professionals are available to offer counseling services to students who find themselves in alcohol related problems (Bonnie & O'Connell, 2004).

The other way through which this problem can be minimized is by eliminating the selffulfilling mentality of young persons who engage in alcohol abuse. Young people believe that engaging in alcoholism is a sign of maturity. Breaking this misnomer is an important step in the fight against underage drinking. Studies have shown that eliminating misperceptions of alcohol and drugs abuse is one of the most efficient modalities of reducing the rate of abuse among young persons (United States Congress, 2010).

Nevertheless, misguided efforts such as likening alcohol to illicit drugs can be counterproductive. It may create a false impression among the young people that adults, parents included, who take alcohol are indeed drug abusers. Classifying alcohol under drugs may encourage its use even more. The fight against alcoholism should not create mysteries, but rather it should offer an easy way out of this problem (Ellul, 2008).

It can therefore be concluded that even though underage intake of alcohol has become a major social problem in the twenty first century, extensive campaigns along with education pertaining to the effects of this social problem can be used to prevent it and also tackle it effectively. So as to enhance the fight against underage alcoholism, parents and educators should take up the responsibility of enlightening young people that alcoholism, besides leading to socially unacceptable behaviors, can result in death. Additionally, schools should focus on

UNDERAGE DRINKING instructing students on drugs in addition to helping them develop the capacity together with attitudes that will make it easy for them to avoid drugs.

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Bonnie, R. J., & O'Connell, M. E. (2004). Reducing underage drinking: A collective responsibility, New York, NY: National Academies Press.

Ellul, D., (2008). Risk perception, awareness and prevention measures to reduce underage drinking and the illegal purchase of alcohol in Malta, Hoboken, NJ: UniversalPublishers.

Hingson, R. W, Heeren, T. & Winter, M. R. (2006). Age at drinking onset and alcohol dependence: age at onset, duration, and severity, Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. 160(7):739-46.

Merino, N., (2007). Underage drinking, New York, NY: Greenhaven Pr. United States Congress, (2010). Underage drinking: Research and recommendations. New York, NY: BiblioGov.