Early Exposure to Alcohol Ups Risks Multiple Times
Many of the recent surveys and studies have highlighted that alcohol use has steadily declined among youngsters. Despite the above finding, alcohol continues to remain one of the popular substances among adolescents and young adults. Due to the easy availability of alcohol and its social acceptance, underage drinking has emerged as a major concern across the world.
Moreover, alcohol-related accidents, assault cases and unintentional deaths due to alcohol misuse continue to rise. Such issues pose a major health concern, especially among youngsters. The early exposure to drinking due to parental alcohol abuse, peer pressure, inquisitiveness, spirit of adventure or experimentation, etc. has increased the practice of excessive drinking and binge drinking among adolescents.
Despite increased awareness and effective initiatives of the policymakers, the level of decline witnessed in drinking practices has not been according to the popular anticipation. With an outlet almost in every corner, most of the teenagers admitted that it was “fairly easy” or “very easy” to obtain alcohol for recreational purposes.
Interpreting relationship between teens and underage drinking
Although the consequences of drinking are well established regardless of age, gender or drinking status, the level of severity of the symptoms is likely to vary. Compared to adults, consequences of drinking alcohol can be far greater in teenagers. Excessive drinking by college students frequently results in aggressive behavior that can cause property damage, violence, intentional or unintentional injuries, and even death in the worst circumstances.
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH):
· In 2015, about 7.7 million individuals aged 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol in the past month, including 5.1 million who reported binge alcohol use and 1.3 million who reported heavy alcohol use.
· About two-thirds of underage current drinkers (65.7 percent) were binge alcohol users, and about one in six was heavy alcohol user (16.4 percent). About one-fourth of underage binge alcohol users (24.9 percent) were heavy drinkers.
· Although the percentage of underage individuals who reported current alcohol use in 2015 was lower than the percentages in 2002 to 2014, about one in five individuals in the same age group drank alcohol in the past month in 2015.
Spirit of experimentation pushes teenagers to drinking
When children grow older, their physical and mental maturity result in the assertion of independence to seek new thrills and meet challenges that may sometimes lead to risky behaviors. The fancy portrayal of alcohol on the celluloid and advertisements increase attraction of many adolescents and young adults toward the habit of drinking.
In the bid to imitate the popular stars and experience the proverbial adrenaline rush, most of these individuals may fail to recognize the consequences of alcohol consumption on their health and behaviors. Unfortunately, approximately 4,358 individuals under the age of 21 perish due to alcohol, thereby shortening their lifespan by an average of 60 years.
People who first started using alcohol at the age of 14 or below are known to be seven times more prone to developing alcohol dependence or continuing the abuse of substance as an adult compared to the individuals who had their first drink at the age of 21.
Live life to the fullest
For decades, underage drinking has resulted in a wide range of health and social consequences, such as injuries and deaths due to accidents, interpersonal violence, alcohol poisoning, etc. Moreover, development of drinking patterns at an early age alters the brain chemistry and causes increased dependence on alcohol that can aggravate later in life. Therefore, it is essential to undergo an effective treatment on time to avoid life-threatening consequences.
If you or your loved one has developed an addiction to alcohol, it is important to seek help. The Florida Detox Helpline can connect you to the best detox helpline center in Florida that specializes in delivering holistic and evidence-based detoxification and medical interventions. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 855–920–9869 to know more about the other alcohol treatment options.
