Alcoholism Essay Example

not imply that alcohol consumption leads to social, sexual, or professional success or is necessary for relaxation, and advertisements should not encourage or challenge people to consume alcohol.

The number of ads that do not violate the voluntary code can be observed every night. The availability and acceptability of alcoholic drinks make them more socially acceptable than other drugs. Parents, teenagers, and educators often overlook the potential problems that alcohol can pose to developing minds and bodies (Kay Healey, 1997). During a time when the body and emotions are still growing, excessive or frequent alcohol consumption can cause permanent damage.

MISCONCEPTION: Many people mistakenly believe that drinking alcohol is only for adults. Society often associates alcoholic beverages with sexuality and romance, but it is important to understand that alcohol is actually a depressant. As a result, it can have negative effects on sexual performance and reduce pleasurable sensations. (Kay Healey, 1997)

FAMILY FACTORS: Parents' attitudes and behaviors towards alcohol have a significant influence on how their children perceive it. Research indicates that having a family history of antisocial behavior and poor parenting increases the chances of children using alcohol and drugs. Particularly for young adolescents, the home environment serves as their primary source of access to alcohol.

ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT: Teenagers consume alcohol for various reasons, such as seeking enjoyment, escaping problems, or relieving stress and anxiety in their lives.

Teenagers, due to their limited experience and smaller bodies, have a higher likelihood than adults of becoming intoxicated with less alcohol. Furthermore, depressed teenagers or those who have experienced abuse may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for psychological distress. The combination of inexperienced driving and alcohol consumption poses a

significant danger, considering that car accidents are the leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-23 according to the National Centre for Health Statistics.

It is crucial for underage individuals to recognize that although they may have the privilege of driving, they do not possess the right to endanger others through accidents. The effects of underage drinking are numerous and extensive, making it impractical to list them all. However, research shows that initiating drinking at 18 years old results in 66% of people being classified as having alcohol dependence later on, with an additional 7.8% experiencing alcohol abuse.

By waiting until age 21 before consuming their first alcoholic beverage, these risks can be reduced by 60%.

Grant (Source: Grant 103) states that the consumption of alcohol by teenagers can have adverse effects on their health, family relationships, and overall societal safety. It can diminish productivity, hinder academic and professional performance, and result in economic burdens. Although it may be difficult to identify teenage alcohol abuse, specific behaviors such as regular absenteeism can serve as indicators of a problem.

The text highlights different concerns regarding alcohol abuse among teenagers and younger children. These concerns encompass a decrease in academic performance, disinterest in extracurricular activities, difficulties with peers, self-destructive actions, lack of energy, disregard for personal well-being, and evident signs of intoxication. The text ultimately asserts that alcohol abuse is an escalating societal issue influenced by the portrayal of alcohol as glamorous in movies, television shows, and beer advertisements featuring sports stars targeting teenagers.

Alcohol is viewed contradictorily in our society. While it is seen as enjoyable and acceptable, we also recognize the negative outcomes associated with its abuse. These include fatal

traffic accidents, injuries, decreased productivity, child abuse, broken families, and other societal problems. To tackle this issue head-on, I suggest a holistic educational effort that would have backing from both the community and the government. This initiative would involve qualified individuals and receive financial support from the government. Through these measures, we can effectively alter perceptions of alcohol and significantly enhance awareness of its impacts.

Schools play a crucial role in initiating education and preventive efforts, as they have a larger reach among students compared to any other place. This undertaking requires complete commitment and extensive planning. The media extensively exposes the American public, especially young individuals, to the notion that alcoholic beverages are acceptable in adult society. A study conducted by the Scientific Analysis Corporation explored the portrayal of drinking practices on television. The findings revealed that alcoholic beverages were the most commonly consumed drinks among television characters. Within 225 programs, there were a total of 701 instances of alcoholic drinking recorded, surpassing tea and coffee drinking which followed in second place with 329 recorded cases (Royce 1981).

Television characters rarely consumed water or soft drinks. Additionally, the scripts often included comical mentions of alcohol. These discoveries need to be communicated to teenagers to help them distinguish between the actualities of drinking alcohol and the fictional realm portrayed on TV. The immaturity, lack of experience with alcohol, and limited understanding of its effects among teenagers exacerbate the issue of underage drinking. Teenagers view driving as a symbol of independence and consider highways as a platform to showcase this independence. However, combining inexperienced driving with inexperienced drinking creates a potentially fatal combination.

The National Center for Health Statistics

has reported that individuals aged 15 to 24 have the highest risk of death from motor vehicle accidents. Every year, 16,500 young people across the country lose their lives in fatal car crashes, resulting in a rate of 45 out of every 100,000 people in this age group.

In addition, it is crucial to recognize that peer pressure can lead to hazing situations. An example of this is Scott Crougar, an 18-year-old freshman who attended a Fraternity party at MIT after being enrolled at the university for five weeks.

Scott, a young man with great potential and a promising future, sadly met his demise at a house party in Fiji. He was forced to consume an excessive amount of alcohol, including two cases of beer and vacadie spiced rum, causing his blood alcohol level to exceed the legal limit for driving by five times. The residents of the Fraternity house found Scott unconscious and vomiting but unfortunately decided to leave him on the basement couch. Sadly, he ultimately choked on his own vomit and tragically lost his life (Walters, Barbara).

Individuals struggling with alcoholism can seek assistance from their local Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA. Membership in AA only requires a genuine desire to stop consuming alcohol (A.A.). Teenagers frequently include alcohol in their social activities, such as parties and unsupervised gatherings at home. While the popularity of other drugs may vary over time, alcohol remains consistently prevalent. Throughout history, ancient Babylonians revered alcohol while teenagers faced prohibition, leading to various issues. Currently, drinking is the substance of choice among teenagers and contributes significantly to accidents and fatalities.

The history of alcohol is crucial in comprehending its societal influence, particularly

with regards to adolescent drinking. Alcohol has been deeply rooted in numerous cultures across continents and over centuries, evolving into a prevalent tradition. Although the exact origins of alcohol are uncertain, the techniques for creating various alcoholic beverages are widely known. Nonetheless, the specific moment when alcohol was discovered remains elusive in historical documentation. Nevertheless, primitive societies made use of alcohol as evident by its presence during the Neolithic period around 10,000 years ago and throughout European civilization (Milgram 22).

Beer, an alcoholic beverage, has a rich history dating back to 5000 B.C. Both the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians had their own ways of brewing beer. In Babylonian religious temples, they brewed beer as a divine offering. The process included fermenting cereal grains such as wheat, rye, corn, or barley, resulting in beer containing 3 to 6 percent alcohol. Likewise, the Egyptians created hek beer using barley bread. They would crumble the bread into jars, cover it with water, and let fermentation take place.

The beer blessed by the Egyptian pharaohs in honor of the goddess of nature, Isis, was distributed to peasant workers, resulting in a widespread issue of drunkenness in ancient Egypt (Nielsen 13). In the eighteenth century A.D., liquor or spirits, the most potent alcoholic beverages, were discovered.

According to historical accounts, liquor was first produced by an Arabian alchemist named Geber through a process of distillation. Geber would burn away the impurities that formed in wine during its fermentation and isolate the remaining liquids. This resulted in a concentrated liquid with a higher alcoholic content, consisting mainly of flavored alcohol and water (Milgram 65). It took 500 years for liquor to be discovered in

Europe by Arnaud de Villanueva, who created brandy. Arnaud claimed that brandy had the potential to cure all diseases, prolong life, maintain youth, and alleviate ill humor.

In the 1600s, gin, akravit, and whiskey were discovered in different countries. In the 1700s, Americans created bourbon. Teenagers often engage in thoughtless behavior at parties or gatherings with friends. They prioritize getting drunk quickly and returning home before curfew rather than worrying about death, grades, or alcoholism. It is typical for teenagers to consume five or more beers on average at parties.

According to Nielsen (47), the issue of teenage drinking in the United States is a significant problem, impacting approximately 3.3 million teenagers who are classified as problem drinkers. About 25% of students in grades seven through twelve admit to drinking at least once per week, and roughly 40% of twelfth graders engage in heavy drinking within the past two weeks. While the reasons behind teenagers' attraction to alcohol consumption remain unidentified, research suggests that alcohol consumption patterns differ based on location (Nielsen 47). One of the most concerning outcomes of teenage drinking is fatal incidents. Many teenagers attend parties and then make the risky choice to drive home, mistakenly believing they can do so safely. Surprisingly, statistics show that 21% of young drivers involved in fatal accidents had consumed alcohol (MADD 1).

Alcohol and drug usage among teenagers and young adults are connected to the leading causes of death and injury, as stated by NCADD (1). Reports indicate that alcohol is involved in around fifty percent of car accidents, which often result in one teenager's death per hour on weekends. Milgram (20) highlights that consuming alcohol can lead

to symptoms such as slurred speech, slowed reaction time, and unsteady walking due to its depressant effects on the central nervous system. Additionally, the risk of an alcohol overdose increases with the amount consumed. Signs indicating an overdose include mental confusion, stupor, coma, seizures, bluish skin color, low body temperature, slow or irregular breathing, and vomiting while sleeping (Alcohol Education Program 4).

If any of these symptoms appear, it is crucial to immediately call 911 for an ambulance and never leave the victim alone. Excessive drinking among teenagers can lead to alcoholism. Statistics show that individuals who start drinking at age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism compared to those who begin at age 21. The majority of teens have their first alcoholic beverage at age 13. The progression towards alcoholism typically starts with trying alcohol, then social drinking, abusive drinking, and ultimately becoming a problem drinker or alcoholic. Various factors like age, gender, and location also influence the impact of economic factors on teenagers (Nielsen 50).

Many teenagers engage in drinking without understanding why, often due to peer pressure and the influence of their social circle. It is common for teens to resort to alcohol or drugs when feeling depressed or trying to conform. These actions can lead to teenage alcoholism.

Underage drinking is a concern that is being addressed by various entities. The government, parents, groups, and even other countries are actively seeking solutions to prevent teen drinking. A number of laws have already been implemented to deter teenagers from consuming alcohol. To combat this issue, President Reagan signed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act into law on July 17, 1984. This act

urges states to establish laws prohibiting individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing and publicly possessing alcoholic beverages. States without such laws risk losing a portion of their federal-aid highway funds. To enforce this law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations and the Federal Highway Administration jointly published a rule on March 26, 1986.

(NB1) The Age-21 law is in effect in most U.S. states, yet Louisiana allows entry into bars at the age of 19, resulting in reduced alcohol consumption among the youth. However, due to advancements in technology, a significant portion, ranging from 20 to 35 percent, of young individuals possess fake identification. Texas considers this a third-degree felony and offenders will face automatic license suspension for 90 days to a year, along with a potential fine of up to $5000.

One way that Texas reduces teenage drinking is through the implementation of a curfew. This curfew prohibits teenagers from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. Violating this curfew has consequences, such as delaying the teen's eligibility for a full driver's license until they turn 18, as well as an additional requirement to have no alcohol or drug convictions within six months of applying. Additionally, the government has established regulations on the pricing and taxation of alcohol sales. While these pricing and taxation regulations are unpopular among both the public and the liquor industry, there is some evidence suggesting that they have positive effects (OBrien, Chafetz, and Cohen 34).

According to Milgram (37), the government generates a significant portion of its revenue from taxes on alcohol sales. In addition to

financial measures, parents can play a crucial role in preventing underage drinking by educating their children about the risks associated with alcohol and other substances. While some parents opt to support their children by paying fines, others take a stricter approach and confine their children with limited privileges. Teenagers who regularly receive guidance from their parents regarding the dangers of drug use are 42% less likely to engage in such behavior compared to those whose parents neglect these conversations (NCADD 4).

Discussing with their teenage children is the most effective approach to influence them. Furthermore, when teenagers violate a rule, it is important to clearly outline and implement appropriate punishments. In addition to engaging in conversations with their children, parents have the ability to promote healthy self-worth and lead by positive examples. Collaboration with various organizations can also assist in combating underage drinking. One notable organization is MADD, commonly known as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. This group endeavors to persuade legislators to enact laws aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing drunk driving incidents.

MADD, or Mothers Against Drunk Driving, works diligently to bring awareness to the public about alcohol-related driving incidents and seeks to increase participation in the campaign against them. SADD, which stands for Students Against Drunk Driving, shares a similar mission and comprises students who are dedicated to combating the issue of drinking and driving, while also enticing other teenagers to remain abstinent. SADD was initiated by a teacher who tragically lost two of his students due to drunk driving. Members of SADD are required to sign a contract pledging to refrain from drinking and driving (Nielsen 101). These students also proudly showcase stickers

and buttons that urge their peers to avoid alcohol-related driving incidents.

If approved by the principal, SADD puts up posters in schools to caution students about the dangers of drinking and driving prior to an event or holiday. There is a program called Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that provides assistance specifically for teenage alcoholics. In AA, teenagers receive unique support tailored to their needs, including completing their education, gaining dating skills, and selecting a career path. After completing alcoholism treatment, teens can reside in halfway houses where they have the opportunity to make new acquaintances. Raising the legal drinking age to 21 years old is another way that other countries can contribute to addressing this issue.

While many countries require a minimum drinking age of 18, Germany allows individuals as young as 16 to consume alcohol (Net Biz 1). In Canada, the legal drinking age is 18, but they have implemented strict penalties for driving under the influence resulting in a significant decrease in alcohol-related offenses. Similarly, Finland, Sweden, England, and France also impose automatic jail sentences and license suspensions for drunk driving offenders (Neilson 61). If more countries were to raise their drinking age to 21, it would make it more challenging for teenagers to obtain alcohol. Currently, teenagers residing near the Canadian or Mexican borders can easily smuggle alcohol into the United States. The implementation of a higher drinking age limit in Mexico and Canada would contribute to a reduction in underage drinking.

Despite the numerous risks involved, teenagers continue to consume alcohol on a daily basis. Alcohol has consistently been the preferred drug among teenagers throughout history and is likely to remain so in the future.

However, teenagers are simultaneously becoming more knowledgeable about the dangers associated with alcohol consumption.