 Issues Today Volume 7: Binge Drinking
Editor: Lisa Firth
Publisher: Independence Educational Publishers
Price: £5.95
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978 1 86168 404 2
Published: November 2007
Most adults enjoy drinking alcohol occasionally, but for some it can be more than this – worries about people regularly drinking to excess (so-called ‘binge drinking’) are increasing, and in the media this term is often associated with underage drinking and anti-social behaviour. In addition, more people are becoming dependent on alcohol, which is an addictive substance and can cause serious health problems. This book looks at the issues surrounding problem drinking, for individuals and for society as a whole.
The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspaper and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter is a page of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Alcohol Trends
About alcohol, Alcohol myths and facts, Young people’s drinking habits, Alcohol and young Europeans, Does TV encourage teenage drinking?, Alcohol misuse, Drink-driving, Crime and licensing hours, Activities.
Chapter Two: Facing up to Problem Drinking
FAQs about alcohol, The bigger picture, Responsible drinking tips, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, Alcohol health warnings, Questions and answers on responsible drinking, Drinking during pregnancy, ‘Raise drinking age to 21’, Alcohol misuse – treatment, A program to combat drinking problems, Activities.
Key Facts
Glossary
Acknowledgements
• Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and starts to have an effect within 5 to 10 minutes. The effect can last for several hours, depending on the amount consumed. (page 3)
• 18.2% of adults binge drink more than double the daily recommended limit at least once a week. (page 2)
• UK teenagers report some of the highest levels of life-time drunkenness – 27% report having been drunk 20 times or more in their life time. In addition 36% report being drunk at the age of 13. (pages 4–5)
• Young people are thought to be particularly susceptible to drinks advertising. Studies show that the more appreciative they are of advertising, the more likely they are to drink now and in the future. (page 7)
• The amount of alcohol consumed by girls aged between 11–13 has increased by 82.6% between 2000–2006, while for boys the number has gone up by 43.4% during the same period. (page 4)
• According to a survey of 1,000 drivers by Brake, the road safety charity, half of drivers admit to drink-driving (after drinking any amount of alcohol at least once in the last twelve months), and one in four drivers admits to driving after drinking an amount of alcohol they know is affecting their driving. (pages 8–9)
• Almost eight out of ten Europeans (77%) agree with putting warnings on alcohol bottles and adverts in order to warn pregnant women and drivers of the dangers of drinking alcohol. (page 17) |
