Teenagers and alcohol – an unhealthy combination
Teenagers and alcohol – an unhealthy combination
Health Weeks
27-01-2017At this time of year, the calendar is filled with social engagements and parties. Many teenagers will spend much of the school-holiday period celebrating and spending time with their friends. Many of these functions will involve alcohol.
An Australian survey in 2013 found that the average age at which young people aged 14-24 first tried alcohol is 15.7. Approximately 86% of Australians 14 years of age and over have drunk alcohol at least once in their lives.
Alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. The effect of alcohol comes from a combination of factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed and various other factors such as age, gender, body size, nutrition, and drinking experience. Alcohol consumption affects not only the person drinking, but everyone in the community. It is estimated that alcohol costs the Australian community over $15 billion a year. These costs relate to health problems, accidents, crime, violence, social issues, and loss of productivity. Read More >