Leethan Grandison, Outlook Youth Writer

There is new and growing phenomenon among the youth. No longer do they talk much about problems that affected them, but rather they vent their frustrations in the form of writing, in quarrels and even fights. But if we thought that was bad, consider the equally serious and devastating habit of binge drinking.

But what exactly is binge drinking? According to the United States International Center for Alcohol Policies, one of the commonly used thresholds for 'binge' drinking is five or more drinks for men and four or more for women per occasion.

Although we do not have evidence of the extent of binge drinking in Jamaica, it is practical to assume that our teens do get 'fras' (frazzled) at times. A talk with some of our teens confirmed our assumptions. According to one young man "Yu caan go a session or club and no drink a six beer a so."

We at Outlook Youth share the concerns of many, especially in light of the all-inclusive parties being held this summer that usually create an avenue for the consumption of huge amounts of alcohol by the youth attending these feasts.

But before we indulge in binge drinking let's consider the prevalence of this act. A U.S. study revealed that two out of every five college students had engaged in binge drinking at least once during the two weeks prior to the survey. According to the U.S. Department of Health, "About 10.4 million adolescents ages 12 to 20 reported using alcohol. Of those, 5.1 million were binge drinkers and included 2.3 million heavy drinkers who binged at least five times a month." Others studies have also shown that boys often commit this act more, however, in some cases girls are on par with them.

Dangers

However, while those binge drinking may consider heavy drinking as fun, it can be very dangerous. Consider the fact that excessive amounts of alcohol may deprive the brain of oxygen; vital bodily functions can begin to shut down. Symptoms may include vomiting, unconsciousness, and slow or irregular breathing. In some cases death can result.

The website www.alcoholconcern.org.uk stresses that it can be the causative fact of cancer, and that alcohol depresses your central nervous system, lowers your inhibitions, and impairs your judgement. Under the influence of alcohol one may also engage in risky behaviours, such as having unprotected sex.

Betty-Ann, a second-year student at UTech, confesses that she does engage in binge drinking and that she has seen the dangers, but that it is not enough to stop her. According to her, one of her friends whom she had invited to try it was not so strong, and after a few drinks she was vomiting. This has influenced her to be very cautious.

The pressure

Despite these dangers and risks, alcohol is heavily promoted here in Jamaica. Christine, a parent, believes so. According to her, "Teens can go to any all-inclusive party and drink as much as they feel." She also added that in some cases "Parents can be blamed for their teens' behaviour as they encourage them to partake or encouraged them to drink."

But why do teens engage in these activities? One young lady, with whom we spoke, stated that she started so as 'to fit in' with some of her friends, and further added that it helped her "to feel comfortable and carefree and to lose certain inhibitions".

The desire to have a good time and to 'fit in' with others is so powerful, that it may lead us to do things we would not normally do. Binge drinking is one such thing and despite compelling evidence that binge drinking is dangerous, it continues among our youth.

The questions then arise: what choices will you make then when it comes to drinking? Will you simply follow your peers?

Youth Ambassador-at-Large, Ms Traci-Ann Johns, charges youths to not let their "peers control your moves, as you become nothing more than a puppet on a string or worse yet, a slave for them". While adding "the era of slavery is history." She also noted that "If and when you choose to drink, you should know your limits, remember that you and only you have the power to decide."

But what should you do if you are caught in the crossfire of binge drinking? According to behavioural scientists, you should seek help immediately, preferably from someone whom you trust and one who will not bash you.

From the young people we spoke with, we have concluded that binge drinking is often the result of peer pressure; as a result, we suggest that you make substantial changes in your choice of friends and entertainment. Making such changes will not be easy, but you could succeed with the help of a professional counsellor and agency like Family Life Ministries and RISE Life Management Services, formerly Addiction Alert.

Names changed

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