Alcohol abuse among young people 'levelling off'

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by Change | 29 Dec 2008

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A new study is calling on the government to change its approach to alcohol abuse after revealing the number of young people engaging in binge drinking is increasing at a lower rate.

The rate of alcohol abuse increase among young people is beginning to level off, new research shows.

A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council has examined the role of marketing practices in shaping the perceptions this demographic has of high substance consumption.

The University of Bath-led research suggests the media is still representing alcohol abuse as a source of entertainment, with "coolness" remaining associated with this behaviour.

Professor Christine Griffin advises the government to "stop demonising" young people and calls for an end to generalisations about drinking.

Isabelle Szmigin, another professor involved in the research, also states a rethink in approaches towards this problem is needed.

"Although many young people recognise the damage that 'drinking too much' can do to their health, ... few view these as more than short term problems," she states.

Identifying potential issues in the social character of alcohol abuse behaviours, she says it is important any changes avoid raising "identity implications" for this age group.

A recent study published in scientific journal Addiction asserts the rise of pre-drinking - the consumption of alcohol before heading on a night out - is part of a culture of intoxication among UK teenagers.

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