Nurses' role in managing alcohol misuse among adolescents

Abstract

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the amount of alcohol consumed by young people, aged 11-17 years, in the UK and Ireland, which has implications for all health professionals caring for adolescents. Alcohol misuse is increasingly common among adolescents and is a significant concern for families, communities and society. Health professionals need to be aware of the dangers involved with underage drinking, how to recognise the signs of alcohol misuse, and how to intervene appropriately. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of adolescents presenting to emergency departments (EDs) owing to alcohol-related injuries. This increase means that all nurses and other health professionals are suitably placed to provide education and support to adolescents who are consuming excessive alcohol. Regular alcohol misuse can lead to adverse health outcomes, and therefore nurses need to take an active role in health promotion to ensure that adolescents are aware of the associated dangers. This article summarises the harmful effects of underage drinking, the influencing factors and outlines the current guidelines on alcohol misuse in young people. It discusses strategies that nurses can use in the ED setting, and all healthcare settings, to motivate adolescents to change health-damaging behaviours.

Prevalence of alcohol consumption among high school students: A cross‐sectional study

“…Nurses play a key role in fostering collaboration between the health sector, the police, education, adolescents and parents (Ward & Verrinder, 2008). All nurses, regardless of their place of work, should play an active role in promoting the health of children and young people, and they must have the knowledge and skills necessary to counsel adolescents and parents about the physical and mental risks of underage alcohol consumption (Kiernan et al, 2012).…”

“…In CEE, alcohol use is the fourth-leading risk factor for disease and mortality (Forouzanfar et al, 2015).Nurses must be aware of the dangers of young people drinking, recognize the signs of alcohol abuse and know how to intervene. Frequent drinking of alcohol leads to health damage, so nurses must assume an active role in health promotion and ensure that adolescents are aware of the associated dangers (Kiernan et al, 2012).…”

A theory of mindfulness caring in community health nursing

“…13 Nurses' strategies in health care settings and the problem of alcohol abuse in adolescents also need to be of concern. 19 The importance of early intervention in preventing adolescent behaviour so that the impact of medical and psychosocial sequel of obesity and obesity persistence does not occur until adulthood.20…”

Caring for alcohol‐intoxicated patients in an emergency department from the nurses’ point of view – focus on attitudes and skills

“…The care of ED patients requires good basic knowledge and skills in general, as well as specific expertise and sufficient experience in different care situations (18). Nurses should have sufficient knowledge and skills to advise patients on the physical and psychological risks associated with alcohol use, even in emergency situations (19). With good skills, nurses can create a routine on substance abuse assessment and understand what areas of expertise need to be developed in this patient group (20).…”