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Teenage drinking leads to alcohol addiction in the future
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
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Teenagers are unaware of the negative consequences of alcohol use, and as a result, become addicted at a young age. In addition, the number of teenagers drinking increases every year, as does the use of strong spirits. Such data was presented by scientists from the University of Valencia.
"There is a belief that students consume more alcohol than teens because they have more access to alcoholic beverages. However, it is not. Teenagers and students drink roughly the same, this applies to girls, too, "says lead author Miguel Hernández de Elche.
Specialists collected data on 6 009 adolescents and young people aged 14 to 25 years for the period from 2007 to 2009. For the study, they chose those who reported episodes of drinking.
"We found that students are progressing in their craving for alcohol. When they were still teenagers, they also drank, but not in such quantity. Nevertheless, today's adolescents consume as much as university students, "- the researchers comment.
If the level of alcohol consumption by schoolchildren and students is the same, it means that students, having reached the age of 20, will drink more than current university students. Experts emphasize that abuse can affect the further life of adolescents, provoking problems with work, as well as financial difficulties.
"Almost all teens who started drinking alcohol from the age of 13-14 drank beverages with a high alcohol content in large quantities. Those who are currently university students started with less strong drinks, such as beer, and consumed it in relatively small quantities, "says Dr. De Elche.
To justify their addiction, adolescents refer to problems in life and personal aspects, while students claim to use alcohol as an attempt to diversify their leisure time.
Nevertheless, the main reason for consuming alcoholic beverages is an occasion to have fun, both for teenagers and for students.
As for the awareness of adolescents and students about the harm and consequences of drinking, it is almost non-existent. This applies to both low-drinking, and those who walk on a broad foot. They only know about the consequences that they see on TV - drunk driving or situations of violence and aggression, caused by drunkenness. They are also aware of the consequences of intoxication experienced directly on themselves - nausea, vomiting, dizziness and hangovers.
In general, the authors note that teenagers are unaware of the negative consequences that alcohol consumption entails. They think that there is nothing to worry about. However, the problem exists and it must be acknowledged.