Alcohol A Worldwide Dilemma

                                                                                         

The extreme consumption of alcohol is becoming a dilemma on a worldwide scale, resulting in a variety of social problems affecting all walks of life. In northern Ireland the Chief Medical Officer – Dr Michael McBride has identified the widespread use of alcohol among the younger generation. In Northern Ireland children as young as 11 are consuming alcohol and by the age of 16 it is thought four out of five teenagers will have had an alcoholic drink of some type. Dr McBride suggests that the motive behind so many young people turning to drink in Northern Ireland is to enhance their social and sexual confidence and requests greater awareness of the damage that alcohol can do.

Unfortunately extreme consumption of alcohol amongst teenagers is having a adverse effect on communities across Northern Ireland principally in urban areas. Within 2 years child crime has increased by roughly 20% mainly fueled by alcoholic consumption involving children as young as seven. In contrast, burglary, vehicle crime and criminal damage have seen little or no rise whereas alcohol-related offences have grown by as much as a third.

In Northern Ireland The Garda youth diversion programme has been put in place to try and curb this anti social behavior with some positive results. Children suspected of crimes under this system are given the opportunity to redeem themselves by compensating or apologizing to victims. Around 60-70% of the children have not re-offended within the first year after being submitted into this venture.

Obviously these problems are not confined to Northern Ireland and across the globe countries are taking their own steps to fight the social impact of alcohol-related incidents.

In recent years millions have been invested on an annual basis by drink companies in Kenya on measures to combat alcohol abuse, underage drinking and drink driving. Sales in of alcoholic beverages have rocketed and these companies have invested a great deal of time in projects to try and decrease the sometimes negative impact. Advertising, warnings on bottle labels and bartender training are just some of the methods that have been implemented.

The National Alcohol Beverages Association of Kenya (Nabak) working alongside The Pubs Entertainment Restaurants Association of Kenya (Perak) have been directing the drinking habits of Kenyans by persuading alcohol selling outlets to promote sensible drinking. The outcome has been very positive resulting in a major downward trend in underage drinking as a result of recent campaigns.

Other countries are using other schemes in their fight to combat alcohol abuse. Australia has initiated restrictions in its Northern Territory, and in some towns photo identification must be shown when purchasing alcoholic drinks. These new procedures have not pleased everyone and some publicans have been subjected to harassment, but generally the belief amongst retailers is that this is a positive step in the right direction in the battle against the rising social problems related to alcohol.

About the author:
Amy is a freelance journalist writing about The Drink Shop at eComparison.

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