Alcohol Statements from the “Institute of Alcohol Studies” 2007
The latest survey data suggests girls have caught up with boys, and in some measures, overtaken boys in relation to binge drinking and 1 in 20 teenagers are drinking more than 50 units a month.
Adolescents who begin drinking before the age of 15 have a 40% chance of becoming alcohol dependent.
15% of all 12—17 year olds have been involved in some form of antisocial behaviour during or after drinking.
Most under 18s view drinking positively. They see it as a measure of socialising with friends (62%). More than half say young people like getting drunk.
The report suggests that alcopops make alcohol taste reliably pleasant and, therefore, make it more accessible to adolescents.
Motivations for Binge Drinking
Social facilitation
Increased enjoyment of social situations
Increase “confidence” in regard to social group scenarios eg securing a sexual interaction
Individual benefits
Escapisms
Forgetting problems
The “buzz”
“something to do”
Social norms and influences
Accepted culture of heavy drinking, behaving normally
Peer influence
Gaining “respect” and “image”
A majority of 14-17 year olds reported harmful outcomes
Health
Regretted sexual activity
Injury through accidents and fighting
Instances of intoxification and drug taking
Safety
Walking home alone
“Daring” behaviour
Involvement in dangerous drinking
Legal
Trouble with the police
BINGE DRINKING
Binge drinking is defined as drinking five or more drinks consecutively for men and four drinks for women. It is commonly understood by most people as consuming too much alcohol in too little time or drinking to get drunk
Bad News
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in the Western World
Teenage girls who binge drink are up to 63% more likely to become teen mothers
Good News
How to encourage our teenagers to moderate their drinking?
Valuable, sincere and enduring supportive relationships
These lead to: self worth, self esteem and successful coping strategies
Youths with good role models and mentors are:
46% less likely to initiate drug use
27% less likely to initiate alcohol use
30% less likely to hit someone
More confident in their school work
Get along better with their family
From the PSHE department
Great parenting is about setting clear limits and boundaries on issues that relate to the health and safety of our children.
In adolescence the brain undergoes pronounced transformation and during this time it is particularly sensitive to alcohol and drug use.
Adolescents can consume larger quantities of alcohol faster than adults before feeling the effects, and adolescents are less sensitive to the sedating effects of alcohol. This allows them to continue drinking for longer which extends their exposure to higher and more dangerous levels of alcohol.
Research has shown that more teens die as a result of alcohol use than combined deaths from all illegal drugs.
Parents are the greatest providers of alcohol for under age drinkers
Over 80% of alcohol consumed by 14 to 17 year olds is drunk at levels that cause harm
Alcohol and Memory
Adolescents who drink regularly show reduced brain response and score lower than non-drinkers,
general knowledge, memory revival tests and social skills. Verbal and non-verbal information
recall is most heavily affected with a 10% performance decrease in alcohol users.
Learn to say “NO!” to your child.
Parties
Parties in term time are not advisable. They lead to tired students who cannot work effectively.
When hosting a teenager’s party remain at home— maybe upstairs or in another room , but on-hand to help if needed.
Know who is coming to the party— avoid internet invitations
When your children are invited to party do check to see that adults will be present. You wouldn’t mind if parents phoned you to check when you are hosting a party, so do phone the parents of those who are throwing the party.
Set clear guidelines of what is acceptable— no alcohol / some alcohol / only provide by you.
Bring-your-own is dangerous and can lead to problems
Set the end-time for the party / collection from the party
Parties are good, and fun—when properly planned and regulated
