Binge drinking and teenagers

Binge drinking is quite evident and normal behaviour of western society among teenagers today. Unfortunately, binge drinking causes an increase of various risks among teenagers, which could inflict upon the health of the binge drinker under certain circumstances. Teenagers need to be informed of the dangers involved and the act should be taken seriously with the possible consequences known.

Binge drinking is defined as males consuming 5 or more standard drinks and females consuming 4 or more drinks in one sitting. The CDC study has proven that teenagers are consuming alcohol at a fast pace and in large quantities, with almost 90% of the alcohol consumed by students is done via binging. Thus, this statistical result shouldn’t be a surprise to the community, as alcohol is very popular among all ages in the western society, and even more for students.

There can be many reasons for teenagers to binge drink. Social acceptance, stress, the imaginary state of invincibility and the desire to experiment are top reasons for the desire to drink excessively. The desire for social acceptance and friendship in a teenager’s life is an underlying issue for binge drinking. To not drink may label someone as “uncool”, for this reason, many teenagers drink in hope to be fitted in social situations. Alcohol consumption can relieve anxiety and boost confidence, another way in which alcohol has the ability for social acceptance.

Unfortunately, binge drinking can have devastating effects on the health and safety of the consumer. Due to the large amount of alcohol consumption in western society, the effects of binge drinking are not reinforced and publicized as other drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. The immediate effects of alcohol can potentially expand into negative experiences, whether binge drinking was undergone or not. Loss of inhabitation and reduced concentration can potentially cause fatal motor vehicle accidents, falls and drowning’s. Binge drinking expands on these possibilities with more life threatening consequences.

Binge drinking, added on to the negative neurological effects and possible accidents as discussed, can increase chances of heart diseases, stokes, cancer and alcoholism. With the reduced inhabitation’s, activities such as drug use, unprotected sex, alcohol poisoning and rape. Each year, approximately 97,000 students between the ages of 18 to 24, are victimized of sexual assault or rape caused by excessive alcoholic intake.

Although both male and female teenager experiment with and drink alcohol for the same reasons, females have concerns in which males will not have to concise with. Alcohol can cause endocrine disorders, resulting in a delayed puberty and they are more likely to abuse alcoholic beverages when faced with mental challenges such as frustration, stress and peer pressure. For these reasons, females are known to drink more at once and increase their chances of sexual transmitted infections and other problems may arise.

There are several factors, which can lessen the chances of a teenager developing the need for social drinking; a child’s upbringing has a major influence on their future morals, potential and the personal desire for alcohol. Experimenting with different things is part of growing, from adolescence to young adult hood. Early alcohol consumption is becoming more prevalent. The first average age for an American girl to consume her first drink is 13, for a boy its 11.

There are multiple dangers involved from drinking at an age before 21, such as a higher involvement in violent behaviours, depression leading to suicide, unprotected intercourse and a possibility to develop alcoholism in later life. Some researchers believe that drinking at a young age can impair brain functionality and growth whilst it is still developing, which can have life long negative effects on memory, co-ordination and motor skills. These facts and beliefs must be publicized aggressively and teenagers must understand the risks that will be placed on their wellbeing and minds, if they decide to undertake this activity.

There are multiple factors, which can increase the risks of individuals developing alcoholism later on in their life. Race and ethnicity (American Indians and Native Alaskans), personality traits and mental beliefs, genetics, some mental health disorders and gender. Although these traits may increase risk, support, proper knowledge of alcohol and mental strength can offset these risks.

It is the parents/guardians responsibility to set proper examples of maturity with drinking and to teach their children about the possible negative impacts that may occur. There will most likely be devastating and life long impacting events on that child, so he/she must have the mental tenacity and strength to push through mental barriers without the need to resort to alcohol and other drugs. A study was concluded that preserving family rituals, such as routines and celebrating holidays could minimize the chance of alcoholic abuse. With proper guidance and knowledge to teenagers, the well being, mental and physical health will be stronger and the self-discipline that the teenager acquires, will provide a positive impact for the rest of their life.

A decrease in alcoholic intake will substantially decrease risks upon the drinker. With all the possible health effects drinking can cause, binge drinking or not, teenagers may be able to learn, think and study easier if alcohol is deprived from the individuals system. A teenager will achieve a greater potential without excessive drinking.

It is quite clear that the effects of excessive drinking in a short period of time can cause multiple health problems. Teenagers need to understand the possibilities and health consequences of binge drinking, and be prepared for whatever possible outcomes may occur. A positive early life with non-alcoholic beverages and correct guidance’s can help minimize the chances of developing alcoholism later in life.