Three in 10 students aged 14 to 18 admit to having had five or more alcoholic drinks within two hours, according to data from the Ministry of Health and the National Drug Program. What is basically assembled among young people … as a form of leisureconstitute an exercise with. big risk to your health: Brain damage, memory loss, cognitive changes, risk of future addiction, and even life-threatening alcoholism.
But the list doesn’t end there. According to data from the Ministry of Health, alcohol consumption contributes to the development of more than 200 diseases, including: some types of cancer. Additionally, they reveal that there is no safe intake level regarding cancer risk. All beverages (beer, wine, spirits), regardless of their quality and price, are associated with cancer risk. Even one drink a day increases your cancer risk, and as you drink more, your cancer risk increases significantly.
Despite repeated warnings from health care professionals, “more and more adolescents are presenting to the emergency room.” severe alcohol poisoning It originates from binge drinking, known as a binge eating episode. For them, what begins as a harmless pastime can have real and very harmful consequences for their current and future health,” admits Antonio Peña, an addiction specialist at Esvidas.
It ensures that during episodes of bulimia, adolescents suffer from disinhibition, loss of coordination, and addiction that can require emergency medical attention. «But the effect disappears Beyond the hangover: He argues that there is an increased risk of accidents, injuries, impulsive behavior and the development of future addictions. Repeated consumption of this type can alter brain and emotional development and impair a person’s ability to learn and control impulses. ”
Although this is a widespread practice among adolescents, doctors stress that not everyone has the same tendencies, listing the most common profiles of people who fall into ‘binge drinking’. need to socialize “They typically take on leadership roles in the bottle and drag other colleagues along.”
José Manuel Zaldua, founding partner and director of Esvidas, points out that this type of consumption masks problems that go beyond diagnosed mental disorders. internal imbalance: anxiety, social anxiety, fear of rejection, need to belong to a group… “For many adolescents, alcohol is a means to lose inhibitions and feel integrated, but they do not realize the dangers of this habit, because later it takes a toll on them.”
This manager warns: There are some signs This is a warning that teenagers may be facing problematic consumption. On the other hand, we are seeing behavioral changes. Young people become more irritable and isolated from their usual groups and activities because they no longer enjoy the groups as much as they used to. They lie more than usual, their academic level is lower… We also guarantee that there are physical signs, such as noticing the smell of alcohol that is typical of drinking, frequently having a hangover the day after going out, always having an excuse ready when asking to go out…«These signs warn Parents and educators recognize that alcohol has become the only way for teens to have fun. It is in these cases that we need to intervene, because by detecting and acting in time we can avoid risks and redirect the situation before it escalates. ”
Jose Manuel Zaldua does not like to talk about: “Drinker Profile” However, it is a common pattern because it has a very wide range.
• Adolescents with low self-esteem or who have difficulty integrating may see alcohol consumption or binge drinking as a way to feel safer and more accepted.
• People with a more impulsive personality or a tendency to seek intense sensations.
• Young people with poor family environments or little supervision.
“All these cases have something in common: they lack the emotional tools to manage their emotions,” he clarifies.
For all these reasons, the Center considers family and school to be the fundamental pillars of a young person’s life. Because, apart from friends, they are the people you spend the most time with throughout the day. “Families are the first preventers and we should not impose prohibitions, as many believe, but we should.” take a dialogic stance and build trust. Teenagers need to understand that they can count on their parents’ support and perspective without being judged. Similarly, schools have an important educational role in teaching youth to recognize group pressures, giving them the tools they need to make conscious decisions, and training youth to understand the consequences of their consumption. That’s why it’s so important that families and schools work together to send a strong and consistent message. Only in this way can we truly influence the behavior of young people. ”
But reality shows that there are: There are many desperate parents. I saw kids coming home under the influence of alcohol. To fight this battle, Jose Manuel Zaldua advises to remain calm, even if it is complicated. “The natural reaction is more anger and fear than dialogue and understanding, but the key in situations like this is to stay grounded. “Battle” and punishment, While they are there and are helpful tools, they often close the door to conversation. Therefore, it is better that the situation calms down, and then you should talk to him about your concerns. ”
among them conversation The important thing is:
• In addition to disobedience, adolescents understand the damage they are doing to their bodies and the potential consequences of their habits.
• Show them the reality of how it feels, as a father or mother, to see this kind of situation at home.
• Ask yourself why you behave the way you do.
“Ask, listen, and understand the reasons for consumption are much more helpful than empty threats or punishments. However, if the situation gets out of control and episodes recur, or the youth seems uninterested, you should seek help and put yourself in the hands of professionals. Families can and must act, but if the situation escalates and you run out of tools, there are people qualified to help.”
But with these lines, Zaldua sends a clear, concise, and powerful message to adolescents who consume alcohol. Fun has nothing to do with whether you drink alcohol or not. It’s not about whether or not, it’s about how you live that experience. Every binge leaves a mark Your brain, memory, and decision-making ability deteriorate, even if you seem to have forgotten everything the next day. drink until you lose control It is not a sign of maturity or freedom; That’s how you risk your health and future. ”
About The Author
