Alcoholism Among Teenagers

Alcoholism Among Teenagers

Introduction

Use of Alcohol among teenagers is a constant public health problem in US. The use of the drug is very common among teenagers. Various techniques have been made and studied in order to prevent teenagers by the use of alcohol. Usage of alcohol among teenagers continues to be a national concern. The percentage of high school seniors who acknowledged that they had tried an illicit drug increased from 55% to 66% between 1975 and 1981. After a decline to a low of 41% by 1992, the rate rose again to 54% by 1997 and has remained at that level. The specific drugs with the highest percentage of youth reporting lifetime use in 2000 are alcohol (80.3%) marijuana (48.8%) cigarettes (62.5%) smokeless tobacco (23.1%) and amphetamines (15.6%). Moreover, the age of first use is lowering. As many as 20% of sixth graders report that they have tried an illicit drug. (Burlew et. al, 2003).

The use of alcohol and drugs in teenage has been shown to be associated with both immediate and long-term consequences. The immediate consequences include school failure. The long-term consequences can include later unemployment and increased risk of participation in violent activities. Moreover, those adolescents who experiment early with substances are at greater risk for future alcohol problems (Grant & Dawson, 1997; Hawkins et al, 1997).

Discussion

There is an ongoing effort to develop effective alcohol prevention programs for teenagers. Numerous prevention programs are being implemented throughout the United States. Although the objectives of these programs may differ with ethnicity, age, and risk factors, the common goal of alcohol prevention programs is to reduce the incidence of alcohol and abuse among teenagers.

Certain strategies can be used in order to prevent the alcoholism among teenagers;

1. School Strategies

2. Extracurricular Activities

3. Family Strategies

4. Community ...