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eNEWSLETTER
June 2008

Our Mission Statement:
"Providing a range of innovative professional services, empowering our clients to positively address issues affecting their lives."

Teenage Binge Drinking

Seen as an epidemic for some and rite of passage by others, what is the real story behind teenage binge drinking? What is binge drinking? It is the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol within a limited period of time.

What you don’t know

According to statistics released in Australia in February 2008 a government report has found that: 

These worrying figures only demonstrate that binge drinking only increases as teenagers get older. It is a practice that can usually last until the average age of 26. Teenage alcohol consumption has now become one of the biggest single social issues for teenagers of our day.

Why is drinking attractive to teenagers?

People drink alcohol for many reasons, to have fun, relax or to fit in with friends. Teenagers especially drink to fit in, to be seen as cool among their current group of friends, curiosity and experimentation. What many of them do not realise are the social impacts and health risks that accompany binge drinking. Binge drinking affects mood, motivation, memory, learning and attention and ultimately school performance.

The effects of teenage drinking can sometimes cause violent behaviour and impair teenagers motor co ordination skills leading to more incidences of car accidents, drowning, suicide and ongoing health issues such as diabetes all as a result of excessive binge drinking. 

Some problems caused by heavy drinkers...

There are others though who see teenage drinking as socially acceptable and normal youth behaviour. Parents may allow their children to drink alcohol within the confines of the family home, but the problem with this is that although some children may be responsible, alcohol still carries an enormous risk of addiction and in some cases a risk to their health.

Know the Signs

How can you tell if your friend has a drinking problem? The answer isn’t simple there are signs, but often it’s difficult to know for sure, but if your friend or child is;

Then its time to talk about the issue, it can sometimes have a more positive effect. Although it is important to voice your concerns, it is important to listen and understand their point of view, keep the conversation positive, talk about their strengths and not just their problems.

If you feel like talking to a counsellor to assist you in making the changes you need to improve your quality of life. Why not give us a call on (07) 3862 6622.
Our office hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. After hours and Saturday appointments are available on request.

 

Useful References

 

 

Office hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. After hours and Saturday appointments are available on request.

Until next time then...

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself.” - Harvey, S (American industrialist founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co 1868 - 1938

 

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