Why are teenagers binge drinking?

Teenagers are more likely to become addicted to drugs because the part of the brain that experiences pleasure matures faster than the part that makes logical and reasonable decisions. For this reason, teenagers are more susceptible to drug addiction because their brains are not fully developed.

This drug usage, mostly alcohol, is common to teenagers because a culture has developed in which some young people believe that they cannot have fun without using drugs.

The goal of teens is not only get drink but to outdo the other and prove they are cool. What this translates into is chugging down large gulps of alcohol at once, or shot competitions. Drinking beyond oblivion at a party. It could also mean drinking responsibly but often having more than just a a few. Some adult teens drinking responsibly during the week but overindulge during the weekends.

Factors affecting Alcoholism

Ethnicity and race are one of the many factors that contribute to alcoholism. Some races or ethnic communities are at a greater risk of developing alcohol addiction, such as Native Alaskans and Native Americans. In the Caribbean where the use of alcohol at wakes, birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations are the norm, this plays a huge factor in the use of alcohol. The thought that you are at a party and you are only having a soft beverage is considered strange or a sign that you are being antisocial.

Research also suggests that the observance of family members using alcohol play a role in someone drinking or not. So to if your friends drink alcohol, then you are at a higher risk of being influenced to drink as well.

When I am not drinking friends attest that I am uptight. So the sober version of my personality seems off putting to some. To appear more relaxed and fun, so consume alcohol during their downtime. Who doesn't want to be considered approachable? We all do!

​Finally, boys tend to drink more often, perhaps because of the social pressure they face to be serious, strong and problem solvers. They also really get the chance to vent in healthy ways so often they seek unhealthy ways to release. One need only to drive the streets and note the larger numbers of homeless men or men who have given their lives to drug abuse. It is sad to see what has become of some of our talented men.

Effects of binge drinking

Studies show that more than 40% of teenagers have engaged in binge drinking at least once in their lifetime. However, this behavior does not come without a price.

Most fatal road crashes involving teenagers occur when they are drunk. Autopsies from such accidents often reveal high blood alcohol content.

Some teenagers who binge drink develop brain disorders in adulthood. These disorders include addiction, anxiety, memory loss, and poor coordination. This is because the brain is still developing during the teenage years and alcohol can hinder healthy brain development.

Drunken teenagers sometimes engage in irresponsible sexual activities: they may not use condoms, which can lead to unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and even HIV. Consent is difficult to give when inebriated, a situation which could lead to confusion, sexual assault, or even rape.

In the confusion caused by drunkenness, items such as jewelry, wallets, purses, keys, and phones can be lost.

What to do if some passes out from Alcohol

The blood pressure of a person with alcohol poisoning may be very low.

Alcohol poisoning is the result of an alcohol overdose. It can cause some bodily functions, including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, to severely slow, leading to a loss of consciousness.

When you recognize these signs, call an ambulance immediately, gently turn the person on their left side so that they do not choke if they vomit, don’t let the person sleep, and most importantly watch them until help arrives. If you would like us to cover more topics like this please tell us. Email us at academiamasters.org