Easy money offers teens licence to drink - Lack of parental guidance, stress responsible for more youth getting addicted to liquor

Easy money offers teens licence to drink

Lack of parental guidance, stress responsible for more youth getting addicted to liquor

Alcohol consumption among teenagers in the age group 15 to 19 years has increased, a study says. According to the study conducted by the social development foundation of Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), 45% of intermediate students in metropolitan cities consume alcohol at least five to six times in a month. The study that surveyed over 2,000 teenagers in cities including Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Patna, Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh and Dehradun said that factors such as, absence of parental guidance, easy money, rising stress and depression were responsible for the rise in numbers of teens consuming alcohol. The study revealed that liquor consumption was highest among teens in Delhi-National Capital Region and Mumbai followed by Chandigarh and Hyderabad. While most surveyed teenagers said it was peer pressure that got them to consume liquor, others felt drinking gave them temporary repose from their day to day problems. More than 32% of teenagers said they consumed alcohol when they were upset, while 45% said they consumed alcohol only to "get high". Around 18% said they drank when they were alone and 15% said they drank when they were bored. The study said that 70% of teens consumed alcohol at birthday parties, farewells and other similar occasions. Teens spend at least Rs3,500-4,500 on alcohol every year. Assocham secretary general DS Rawat said, "Liberated society, easy spending power and wide availability of brands are responsible for more young Indians consuming alcohol these days." However, increasing alcohol intake has increased risks of erratic sexual behaviour, tuberculosis, cancer, liver diseases and duodenal ulcer among teenagers. They also run the risk of getting addicted to alcohol and may get hooked on to drugs, the study revealed. The study suggests that in order to control alcohol consumption among teens, dealers selling alcohol to teens should be made to pay fines. Parents, too, can prevent their children from consuming alcohol by maintaining a good rapport with their teen children and being more attentive to their needs.