RISK FACTORS OF DRINKING ALCOHOL

The Risk Factors of Drinking Alcohol, Smoking Cannabis or Cigarettes amongst Young Children and Adolescents



The Risk Factors of Drinking Alcohol, Smoking Cannabis or Cigarettes amongst Young Children and Adolescents

Introduction

Drinking Alcohol and tobacco smoking remains the biggest single preventable cause of ill health, disability and early death in UK and Scotland as a whole with three out of every 10 adults in UK smoking. Smoking is directly linked to health inequalities with prevalence significantly higher in areas of deprivation and vulnerable groups. It is estimated that smoking accounts for approximately two thirds of the differences in mortality between social class groups in middle age. As well as the impact of smoking on health there is also conclusive evidence that second hand exposure to tobacco smoke causes death and disease. The landmark smoke free public places legislation has been hugely successful however there is a need to continue to work to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke, especially for children and other vulnerable groups, and particularly in the home and in cars.

Smoking behaviour is primarily driven by addiction to nicotine however a wide range of personal, social and environmental factors interplay with the addiction to influence who starts smoking, who continues to smoke and who gives up. Tackling smoking therefore requires a comprehensive approach which incorporates a range of public health interventions at different levels to tackle the individual, social and cultural influences on smoking behaviour. The UK Government has recognised the importance of tobacco control in improving UK's health record and has published a number of key strategies and policies in recent years to support increased smoking prevention and education programmes, more legislative control, and investment in smoking cessation services. National targets have been set to reduce overall smoking prevalence and these have been included in the National Performance Framework for Community Planning partners in recognition of the responsibilities and contributions all have in changing UK's smoking culture. The purpose of this essay is to give a brief summary of a health promotion on young adults and alcohol. Further describing key concepts of health and well-being and how this affects individuals and those around them. How alcohol can be a devastating factor on people and society, and also how the government has responded with health campaigns and new laws to stop teenagers drinking alcohol.

Discussion

Risk factors

The impact of smoking on health is well documented. It is estimated that 90% of lung cancer deaths, 80% of obstructive lung disease deaths and 17% of deaths from heart disease can be attributed to smoking. Within UK over 26% of deaths are attributable to smoking. Smoking increases the risk of a broad range of illnesses including oral cancer, and angina and stroke. Smoking is also linked to fertility and reproductive health problems, and reduces immunity to fight disease. Smoking whilst pregnant is the largest preventable cause of foetal and infant ill-health and death and accounts for one third of all perinatal deaths.

The harmful use of alcohol generally originates from young people ...