Alcoholic drinks play a crucial social role in most cultures. An alcoholic beverage is a drink which contains a significant amount of the psychoactive drug ethanol which is informally called alcohol. [Wikipedia] Most countries implement laws regulating alcoholic drinks production, sale and consumption because of their potential for abuse which may cause physical dependence and increase their risk of alcohol-related harm. [1] ["Minimum Age Limits Worldwide". International Center for Alcohol Policies. Retrieved 2009-09-20.] In Australian society, alcohol has many roles. Many Australians take alcohol mostly for relaxation, enjoyment and for social reasons, and generally they consume alcohol at levels that cause few adverse effects. However, a significant proportion of Australians take alcohol at levels that cause adverse effects. In many countries, Australia inclusive, disease, injury and a considerable burden of death is attributed to alcohol. Families and the broader community are also affected by alcohol-related harm. Some other reasons for taking alcohol include to enhance creativity, to overcome inhibitions, boredom, habit. (2) [www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-topics/alcohol-guidelines] The most common cause of drug related deaths in the Australian teenage population has been found to be alcohol. Misuse of alcohol in this age group has been linked to binge drinking, drink driving and unsafe sex. 'Booze ' is the common term used for alcohol by
These days there are a number of social issues in the community, such as drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is rampant in today’s society, Australian Drug Foundation states that, “Alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive, or mood-changing, recreational drug in Australia.”(Healey, 2002, p. 11). Underage drinking and binge drinking are some of the problems associated with alcohol abuse.
This report is outlining the effects of alcohol poisoning. Describing what it is, why the report is required and a specific high risk group – young Australians ages 18-24. The benefit of this report will outline the main dangers of alcohol poisoning and why it’s a big problem in Australia.
Alcohol is the most abused licit psychoactive drugs that affect one 's ability to think rationally and distorts their judgement if consumed excessively. Alcohol addiction is an illness arising from prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks. An alcoholic is a person suffering from alcohol addiction. Prolonged excessive use of large quantities can eventually lead to chronic health diseases like cirrhosis of the liver, anaemia, cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression seizures, gout and alcohol related accidents and crime. Statistics show that 9 million people in England drink more than the recommended daily intake while an estimated 8.697 died of alcohol-related deaths in 2014. According to the WHO worldwide alcohol causes 1.8 million deaths (3.2% of total) and 58.3 million (4% of total) of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Alcohol beverages with varied percentage content are consumed globally during religious, social, cultural events, festivals and other occasions. The use of alcoholic beverages has been an integral part of many cultures for thousands of years (McGovern, 2009). Over the centuries, there have been ongoing measures, research, interventions and policies which are aimed at promoting the moderate use of alcohol with a particular emphasis on preventing or reducing undesired outcomes. This essay will outline the key components of brief interventions in alcohol, the difference in approach with traditional methods of treatment and in conclusion, the
In many severe cases alcohol, has caused Anaemia, Cancer and Cardiovascular disease. These are, in most ways, lethal and incurable. When describing any of the illnesses above relating to alcohol, doctors use the term: Chronic Heavy Drinking. Every year, nearly 88,000 people die from alcohol related diseases and poisoning. This, the Australian Government decided must change. In 2005 the government finally addressed the issues of alcohol abuse in Australia. Many non-for-profit organisations like ‘Drink Wise’ and ‘Drink Tank’ were formed to combat alcohol abuse. Although these did have some affect, the drinking age remained 18.
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in Australia (The Australian Drug Foundation, 2014). The term binge drinking is defined as drinking heavily over a short period of time with the intention of becoming intoxicated (Druginfo.adf.org.au, 2009). Binge drinking is spreading across Australia and is now having a greater affect on adolescents. There are things that individuals, schools, families and governments can do in order to minimise binge drinking. The effects that alcohol has on the body depend on a range of thing such as how often you are drinking, the strength of the drink you drink and how much you drink (Dame, 2016). Alcohol has both short-term and long-term effects on the body. Some short-term effects include alcohol poisoning, blackouts,
Underage drinking is rapidly becoming a widespread matter within Australia. It is considered to be a serious problem not only nationally, but also globally wide. Underage drinking has climbed its way up the ladder to one of the most common forms of substance use. “The health risks that accumulate over a lifetime from alcohol increase progressively – this means that the more young people drink, the greater the risk” (Windle, Spear, Fuligni, Angold, Drown, Pine, Smith, Giedd, Dahl 2009). Some states within Australia do not have to deal with this problem nearly as much as others. These teenagers are classified as underage drinkers because the national legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years of age – meaning they are still considered to be minors (Australian Alcohol Guidelines, 2009). For the purposes of this essay, the focus will be set on adolescences and alcohol. It will be argued whether parental influence has an impact on teenagers present or future drinking habits.
For many Australians, alcohol consumption is a pleasurable part of everyday life (Parliament of Victoria 2004). However in recent years there have been several reports highlighting that the proportion of adolescents consuming alcohol and the amount of alcohol they are drinking is at record levels (AIHW 2008; White and Hayman 2006; Shanahan and Hewitt 1999). The long and short term sequelae associated with risky or high risk alcohol consumption include negative physical, emotional and social consequences (NHMRC 2001). Immediate harms include accidents, injuries, decreased scholastic and sporting performance, aggression, violence, assault, disrupted family relationships, high risk sexual activity,
Alcohol has been the lifeblood of civilization dating thousands of years back in time, and it is clear to see the culture impact it has made throughout history. People perceive alcohol in many different ways; depending on gender, age, religious background, or social upbringing. Throughout history alcohol has affected different cultures and various demographics. It has been a source of pleasure and aesthetic in many cultures, along with being one of the oldest rites of passage, especially in modern day American society. Alcohol and drinking were also an integral part of religious observances throughout history and culture. The use of alcohol can be seen as a social lubricant, and besides being a thirst quencher, it can play a pivotal role
There has been ongoing public concern for adolescents and early adults’ drinking culture in worldwide. Australia has also great concerns about early initiating alcohol misuse and risky level of drinking pattern among young population. Consequently, the Minimum legal drinking age law is one of major alcohol control enforcement legislation to prevent alcohol related harms among adolescents ( Wechsler and Nelson, 2010, p.985).
The minimum age requirement for consuming and purchasing alcohol is being questioned once again in society. Since 1984, the United States of America has maintained a minimum age requirement of 21 after President Ronald Reagan and most of the citizens noticed a significantly high alcohol death rate and accidents in youths. With the minimum age being raised from 18 to 21, American’s noticed the decrease of alcohol related harms and stayed satisfied with this new law. Thirty-three years passed since this law was enacted and now society is looking for a change. With the rise of binge drinking and alcohol related deaths in adolescents, citizens are aiming to lower the minimum age back to 18 based on their idea that this would benefit and protect the youth.
about 23.5million of the population who fall around the ages of 12 and above are in need of treatment for an illicit drugs and alcohol (men-8% and women-7.3%) in 2009-2013. Of these figures, men-2.5%, women-3.2% and 2.8% of those who needed treatment received it in a more specialty facility so far (pubs.niaaa.nih.gov). Having said that, research shows alcohol and drug related death, which includes men and women, are 88,000.
The results collected from the survey were analysed to help identify the target groups’ behaviours, attitudes and beliefs on the Australian cultural norms of drinking and what they think a binge drinker is. There were 15 questions within the survey, each one was analysed and then categorised into three sections to help construct statements about
(Laslett, AM., Mugavin, J., Jiang, H., Manton, E., Callinan, S., MacLean, S., & Room, R. (2015, p. 25, table 2.5.2). The hidden harm: Alcohol’s impact on children and families. Canberra: Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education. Key Informant Interviews and Focus Groups. Sampling Method.
Did you know, roughly one adolescent between the ages of 14 to 17 die every week because of underage drinking? Underage drinking in Australia is a major issue as alcohol being consumed by teenagers is increasing. Research demonstrates that adolescents who binge drink frequently, will probably utilize drugs and receive poor grades at school. Some major reasons for underage drinking are accessibility, peer pressure, and parents influence. Alcohol consumption among teenagers should be reduced to decrease serious injuries and deaths as well as violent behavior.
The consumption of alcohol is a tradition that has dated back centuries. It has been viewed at as a religious ceremony, illegal activity, and eventually looked as a social norm. Drinking is viewed as a way to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the company of friends and family. Being a sailor in the Navy; if you don’t drink on a regular basis, you either have a family or viewed as socially abnormal. The consumption of alcohol can be taken to one extreme of abusing alcohol and using as a crutch; there’s also the vast different of never touching the stuff.