Youth drinking and anti-social behaviour



Youth drinking and anti-social behaviour

Introduction

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are one of the most important contributors to preventable morbidity and mortality in America and among the most difficult public health challenges. Substance abuse and dependence have widespread effects on society including victims of homicide and violence, abuse, motor vehicle accidents and disruption of family life and careers. The government spends billions of dollars annually attempting to contain the drug trade with limited success. A thorough understanding of the problem of substance abuse and dependence in terms of biological, social and psychological factors is needed in order to address the problem. Of all age groups, underage drinkers (18-20 year olds) and young adults (21-30 year olds) consume the largest amount of alcohol and have the highest rates of heavy drinking. College students cover a part of an age group that has a high percentage of binge drinking and face a huge risk of consuming periodic drinking as compare to peers who do not get an opportunity to attend college. Binge drinking has an association with a considerable high level of risk that has health problems such as serious injuries, that usually occurs from auto crashes; unplanned and unsafe sex, assault, aggressive behaviour, and a range of drinking that has relation to social and psychological problems. Thus, binge drinking is arguably the number one public health hazard and the primary source of preventable morbidity and mortality for college students in the U.S. Risk factors associated with SUD's include genetic, environmental/psychosocial and biochemical variables. The literature indicates that the relationship between such factors as demographic variables, familial characteristics, types of substance abuse and related personality factors are complex and intertwined. Typically, individuals with substance abuse/dependence disorders have secondary diagnoses or comorbid disorders, especially anxiety, depression and personality disorders.

Literature Review

Numerous studies have documented the short and long term effects and physical and social consequences associated with heavy drinking. Heavy drinking is correlated with unhealthy behaviours, such as poor diet, low physical activity, and general tendency for reckless behaviour. Frequent heavy drinking and drunkenness is attributed to injury particularly injury resulting from violence and a greater likelihood of death from injury than from other causes. In addition, evidence shows consuming relatively large amount of alcohol increases the risk for injury related to driving. Evidence describing the numerous negative health effects of heavy drinking includes the acceleration of atherosclerosis and sudden cardiac death. However, understanding of racial and age differences in the pattern alcohol use is limited by the scarcity of research addressing population and individual differences (Abbey, 2002, 128).

A review of the literature suggests research has not significantly advanced beyond descriptive and observational investigations. One study demonstrated adults were less likely to transition to moderate alcohol use and more likely to face a wide range of lifelong health, social, and economic consequences. While knowledge on the connection between race and age has increased with developing evidence, empirical studies are needed to explain the complexities of race and identify ...