Study looks at reasons why young people drink to excess
Wed, October 01 2008
Based on a study sponsored by the International Centre for Alcohol Policies (ICAP), the book also finds striking similarities among young people in different parts of the world.
For instance, their introduction to alcohol was typically done by parents during a family celebration and its consumption was primarily associated with enjoyment and socializing, whether at parties, sporting events or in bars.
Countries included in the study were Brazil, China, Italy, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa, and Britain.
“Tragically, too many young people purposefully pursue drunkenness as a form of ‘calculated hedonism’ bounded by the structural and cultural factors that affect young people in different countries,” said Fiona Measham, co-editor of the book.
“We need to work to change this culture of extreme drinking,” said Marjana Martinic, co-editor and vice president for public health at ICAP. “We need to look at cultures in countries like Italy and Spain where moderate drinking is an ordinary, every-day part of family life.”
Research shows that rates of drunkenness and extreme drinking are significantly lower in the Mediterranean countries than in Northern European countries. For example, 49 per cent of Swedish 17-year-olds report having been drunk, compared with around 10 per cent of Italian, French, and Greek youth.
“Changing the culture of extreme drinking requires looking beyond traditional responses.”
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