Teenage Alcoholism

4 Pages 900 Words

Teenage Alcoholism

Are today’s teenagers drinking more than their parents did 20 or 30 years ago? Are there reasons for drinking any different? Is teenage drinking, a problem that has suddenly spiralled out of control? Teenage alcoholism is a significant problem in contemporary culture that concerns me. For this reason, I am going to discuss some of the leading questions that were questioned commonly among New Zealanders. What are the effects of alcohol in the body? What are the causes of teenage alcoholism? What are the problems of teenage alcoholism in New Zealand? What are the possible preventive measures and treatments for alcoholics?
There is a tendency in New Zealand to discuss the bad effects of alcohol use, largely in terms of its health hazards. Mitchel R. Hayley, author of the book "Teen Alcoholism", suggests that alcoholism is a chronic usually progressive disease that includes both a psychological and a physical addiction to alcohol. Alcohol is a mood- altering substance; when we drink it enters our brain and affects the chemicals there, and this changes the way we feel and the way we respond on the amount that we drink, and the state of mind we are in. Alcohol is also an intoxicating substance; this means that if we drink to excess it becomes toxic or poisonous to us. Gradually with more alcohol, our brain activity becomes more depressed and our lead of consciousness is reduced. Consequences of alcohol addiction can cause damage to every organ system of a patient’s life. It will cause liver disease (Cirrhosis), pancreatic disease, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, neurological disorders and reproductive system disorders. (Source: “Teen Alcoholism”) These are clearly depicted in the figure below.





























Teenagers pass through a time of turbulence. Intense pressures to perform and succeed are felt by many youths, according to the book "Alcoh...