Alcohol and young people: minimizing the harm

Abstract

In this paper the literature on patterns of use of alcohol by teenagers is reviewed. The model as proposed by Thorley is used to describe the specific nature of alcohol problems experienced by young people. A systemic approach to prevention is explored and recommendations are made about ways to minimise the harm associated with alcohol use by young people.

What harms do young Australians experience in alcohol-use situations?

“…This information replicates that found in other studies. 4,5 The harm associated with own use of alcohol that was most common among both males and females was consuming more alcohol than planned, with more than one-fifth of females and nearly one-quarter of males having consumed more alcohol than they had planned in the previous 12-month period. Although the reasons underlying the consumption of more alcohol than planned were not measured as part of this study, the findings from other studies indicate that a number of factors play a part in the occurrence of this risk including:…”

“…5 The prevalence of this harm implies that over-consumption (or binge drinking) by some young people is not always a planned event or a desired consequence of drinking situations. This conclusion is supported by some young people themselves who comment that drinking is okay as long as you know your limits and only get 'tipsy drunk', rather than getting 'totally whacked' and that drinking is okay as long as you don't do something stupid.…”

“…3 Young people have relatively little experience in alcohol-use situations, have less tolerance to the effects of alcohol, adopt high-risk patterns of alcohol use, often down play or have minimal understanding of potential harms associated with alcohol-use situations, and have limited knowledge or skills to minimise alcohol-related harms. 4,5 Consequently, the harms experienced by young people in association with their own and others' use of alcohol are relatively high and tend to be acute.…”

SEMINARS IN PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT: “Riding the Tiger”: lessons from a health promotion activity aimed at reducing the use of alcohol by youth

“…7. That staff at all times comply with the law regarding supply of alcohol to under-18s and enforce that law on the premises.…”

“…The health promotion literature indicates that we should consider the possibility of altering the environment or the social context in which alcohol is used, rather than simply attempting to alter behavlout [7]. Establishing policies that relate to the behaviour we seek to change is an effective way to alter the environment [8][9][10].…”