Alcohol Abuse Among Teenagers - Essay Example

Alcohol abuse among teenagers Introduction Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances among the teenager in the world today. However, one major aspect of the alcohol abuse process that is often forgotten or rather disregarded is the linkage between its abuse today and the outcomes of these actions in the future (Australian Drug Foundation, 2005). Various studies have explored the consequences of alcohol abuse among the teenagers, since these often result in problems such as health related issues and the development of dependency (Susan, 2007). This paper seeks to analyze the causes of alcohol abuse among the teenagers and provide the possible solutions that could be applied to solve this problem. Causes of alcohol abuse among the teenagers Studies regarding the prevalence of alcohol abuse among the teenagers often tend to consider the contextual or situational such as the location of the drinking. It is postulated that most teenagers consume alcohol from their own homes, bars or restaurants, friends’ homes, at school, in moving cars or outdoor settings (Australian Drug Foundation, 2005). This suggests therefore that numerous factors influence teenagers to turn into alcohol abuse. Most of the studies however highlight that some of the causes of alcohol abuse include parental influence, depression, peer influence, curfew, media and culture (Susan, 2007). All these factors work to contribute to alcohol abuse among teenagers. In this paper however, we shall analyze the three major causes of alcohol abuse among teenagers, media, parental influence and culture. Parental influence Parents can actually determine the drinking habits of their children (Cosima, 2004). Most studies highlight that alcohol abuse begins at home. When parents take the initiative to disapprove the drinking habit, the probability of children continuing with the act is small. On the contrary, when parents appear tolerant or permissive about alcohol abuse, then there is a higher probability that their children will continue to abuse the substance (Cosima, 2004). For a long time, people had the belief that teenagers are more influenced by their peers, regardless of whatever their parents’ thoughts are. Most researchers agree that friends are influential, but parents also take a central role in influencing teenage behaviors (Cosima, 2004). When asked, most teenagers will have the opinion that their expectation is that their parents will set rules and boundaries about moral values that should be maintained. On the other hand, the parents’ behavior will greatly influence the future of their children. For instance, teenagers with a family history of alcohol dependency or those having parents that consume a lot of alcohol are more likely to inherit the same behavior (Australian Drug Foundation, 2005). Media influence Most teenagers today seem to be influenced by the media (Susan, 2007). It is claimed that the media has turned into a form of leisure activity since most of the teenagers spend most of their free time either watching the television or listening to the radio. The advertisements that placed in the media influence the lifestyles of the teenagers (Susan, 2007). For instance, most companies, in an effort to promote their product, place misleading adverts on the media. It therefore becomes difficult for the parents or teachers to convince the teenagers that such adverts are misleading. In effect you find the teenager turning into alcohol drinking just because of the refreshing aspect it was characterized with in the adverts (Susan, 2007). However, it is also apparent that such adverts are made more convincing and persuasive making it difficult for the teenagers to consider its negative effects. In addition, most of the drug or alcohol related advertisements fail to display the negative effect of the product and therefore ends up misleading the teenagers (Susan, 2007). Culture This also plays a central role in determining the drinking habits of the teenagers (Julie, 2005). It is apparent that beliefs, values and attitudes vary widely from one culture to the other. To some cultures, drinking at an early age is acceptable since there is no known significant negative impact of such a belief. Other cultures still encourage drinking at an early age since this is viewed as a way of initiation to adulthood (Julie, 2005). Therefore after attaining a certain age, often taken to be fifteen years, the teenagers are initiated into adulthood by encouraging them to take alcohol. A habit of dependency is then developed which turns out to a point whereby teenagers abuse it. In other cultures, ceremonies often incorporate the consumption of alcohol and therefore teenagers are not excluded from such events, and once they begin to consume it, it becomes difficult for them to stop the habit (Julie, 2005). They continue with the habit and adopt a habit of dependency. Therefore cultural beliefs are a major cause of drug abuse among teenagers. Possible solutions In order to reduce the long term consequences of alcohol abuse among teenagers which includes health problems and high dependency, actions should be taken to reduce the problem. These possible actions/solutions range from parental role, the role of media and the role of the culture. This section will analyze the different roles played by the aforementioned groups in lessening alcohol abuse and promote sensible drinking among teenagers. Parental role Parents usually play a big role in setting examples to their children and which assists in modifying their behaviours (Cosima, 2004). It is true that, parents with a drinking history or those who usually drink at home have a high possibility of influencing their children to adopt this behaviour. To curb this therefore, parents should set an example to their children as they will always imitate what their elders do (Australian Drug Foundation, 2005). In most circumstances, parents are expected by their children to set rules and boundaries and spend time with them. In addition parents should advise their children regarding alcohol use at a younger age as studies reveal that, when at teenager starts drinking at an older age, there is high likelihood that, he/she will not abuse alcohol (Adele). It is evident that, when parents allow their children to drink from hope, there is a high possibility that these children will also drink outside (Cosima, 2004). As a result, parents should always discourage this behaviour among their teenagers. The role of media The other tool that can be used to modify children drinking habits is the use of media (Susan, 2007). The contemporary society is characterized by rapid technology changes. These technologies which include social media and communication media have contributed a lot in influencing teenagers drinking habits. These social media can also be employed as tools of modifying children’s behaviours and promote sensible drinking. For instance, media should stop advertising misleading adverts as teenagers have a habit of always trying to experiment what they have been taught (Susan, 2007). This can only be attained if the media rejects adverts from companies which lack detailed information regarding the product. Detailed in this case means that, the advert should not only be used as a marketing strategy which benefits the company, but also as a tool for educating individuals regarding the positive and negative effects of such a product (Jacqueline). In addition, advertisements should encompass the negative impacts of alcohol use and the media should place emphasis on this, as it may reduce the probability of abusing a product that has severe long term negative effects (Susan, 2007). Role of culture This can play a significant role in offering possible solutions for alcohol abuse among teenagers. As explained earlier, values and beliefs vary widely from one culture to the other. In order to mitigate if not to stop alcohol abuse among teenagers, cultures should view use of alcohol as an acceptable behaviour among youngsters. In addition, cultures should adopt the use of, for example soft drinks in ceremonies rather than the consumption of alcohol. This acts as a good foundation for teenagers and acts as an example of what is worth consuming (Australian Drug Foundation, 2005). It is true that, if parents, media and culture play their significant roles appropriately, alcohol abuse among teenagers can significantly reduce (Julie, 2005). Responsible drinking can also be promoted and this as a result, reduces dependency, probability of negative long term health effects and promotes healthy lives and academic success in schools. Conclusion In conclusion, alcohol abuse among teenagers has highly increased in the contemporary society. This has been caused by various factors including media influence, parental influence and cultures. Currently, media is seen as the major cause of drug abuse among teenagers. It is true that, companies always place adverts in media as a marketing strategy. However, this influences greatly the use of such products as children always to experiment what they have learnt or hand. Children who lack strong parental control and those who come from some cultures which encourage alcohol consumption are also very likely to abuse alcohol. However, various measures can be taken to mitigate this problem and encourage responsible drinking. For instance, as discussed above, parents, the media, and cultures can also play significant roles in ensuring sensible drinking. Setting rules and boundaries, discouraging misleading adverts, and considering alcohol consumption at early ages among teenagers are roles played respectively by the mentioned groups. It is apparent that, if these roles are played appropriately, cases of teenage alcohol abuse can also reduce considerably. Recommendations In order to effectively succeed in the process of encouraging sensible drinking among teenagers, these recommendations should be considered. The media should not compromise on companies that do not offer all information or provide misleading information regarding their products. Advertising should not only be used as a marketing strategy, but also as a tool for educating individuals fully concerning both the positive and negative effects of consuming a product. The governments should take initiatives of offering educational programmes to various individuals in diverse cultural backgrounds. These programmes should cover on such areas as responsible drinking, long term negative effects of alcohol misuse among others. Parents should always inquire from their children, discuss about their lives and act as role models in all aspects of life. References Adele, Horin, Alcohol Excess begins at home Australian Drug Foundation, (2005). Issues in Society. Fact Sheet for parents 3.13, 252 Cosima, Marriner, (2004). Parents blamed for teen drinking. The Sydney Morning Herald News Jacqueline, Maley, Drink till you drop: The teen epidemic Julie, Robotham, (23rd June 2005). Bottle fed at 12-with a dash of recklessness. The Sydney Morning Herald News Susan, Carney, (Mar, 15, 2007). Alcopops and Teens: Ready to drinks are a preferred beverage among youths, Retrieved from http://youthdevelopment.suite101.com/article.cfm/teens_and_alcopops Read More