Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic - London

Call for Evidence: Children and Young People and alcohol consumption
1. How common-place is alcohol misuse by young people in your area? [11-15 year
olds] or [16-21 year olds]
Members highlight a high incidence of admission to Emergency departments for
both age ranges. Over the last year members reported that alcohol misuse is
becoming more of an issue as young people are drinking larger quantities and
more often.
2. What impact does young people's alcohol misuse have on:
• Their health
Alcohol consumption can affect physical, emotional and mental health
depending on severity of use and whether alcohol is used with other
substances. Many young people may complain of feeling unwell i.e. with a
headache, nausea, feeling tired but many do not realize the consequences.
Long term effects include liver failure and kidney damage, while they are also
at risk of life-threatening accidents while under the influence of alcohol, as
well as assault, rape, self-harm and minor injuries. Alcohol use may lower self
esteem despite appearing to increase confidence at the time of ingestion and
thereby lead to mental health problems such as depression
• Their families
Members highlighted that families are often worried but noted that some
parents do not seem to be bothered. Alcohol use does however impact on
families as often young people can become aggressive which causes
tensions within the family home. In circumstances of covert drinking in the
family home, there may be no impact to families what so ever. A range of
other consequences for families include involvement/intrusion of police into
family home due to anti-social behaviour or stealing, financial consequences
of stealing, anxiety on part of family about the well-being of the young person
concerned.
• Local communities
It was noted that alcohol can cause aggression and anti social behaviour,
including vandalism, arson, graffiti, burglaries, shoplifting, and joyriding.
Drinking is often done in public places which make them difficult or scary to
access to other community members. Young people can also feel stigmatised
by the community for the behaviour of a few other young people.
• Public services
Many members highlighted the impact upon the increase in attendances at
Emergency Departments and the increased pressure on hospital services as
a result of alcohol related diseases, as well as police and ambulance service
personnel. Others noted the unruly intimidating behaviour of young people on
public transport.
RCN London - 30 September 2008 1