A new study published last week found that over one-third (34.1%) of adolescents in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon have had at least one episode of binge drinking.
The study team from Planet Youth West and HSE Public Health West and North West analysed data from over 4,400 15-16-year-old adolescents that participated in the Planet Youth 2020 Survey.
Binge drinking was defined as consuming five or more drinks in a two-hour period or less in the past.
The study aimed to measure the prevalence of past binge drinking, and to investigate a range of associated risk factors. These were grouped into individual, parental, peer group, school, and leisure time and local community factors.
Key Findings
The research highlighted the important influence of parents on adolescent binge drinking. Adolescents who received alcohol from their parents were almost twice as likely to have reported binge drinking.
In contrast, adolescents who reported that their parents would react negatively to drunkenness, were approximately half as likely to report binge drinking.
Adolescents with higher parental supervision were also less likely to report binge drinking.
The influence of peers was also important. Adolescents who reported getting alcohol from friends were almost 6 times more likely to report binge drinking.
Those who reported having friends that drink alcohol were approximately 5 times more likely to report binge drinking. Another striking finding was that adolescents who reported at least weekly participation in team or club sports were also more likely to report binge drinking.
Dr Ciara Kelly, Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine and lead author on the study, said that the study identified a high prevalence of past binge drinking among 15–16-year-old adolescents in the West of Ireland.
“This is concerning, as there is a wide range of physical and mental health harms known to be linked with alcohol use,” she said.
“Adolescents are more vulnerable to these harms compared to adults. This harm can be prevented by either not drinking alcohol or having fewer drinks at one time.
“Our study also found a range of factors associated with binge drinking. The influences of parents, peers, and source of alcohol highlight the importance of informing young people and their parents about the risks of alcohol.”
Our study supports the ongoing need for more intersectoral action to protect adolescents from alcohol-related harm.
“Delaying use of alcohol, and denormalising alcohol consumption, among underage adolescents must be a public health priority in Ireland and internationally. In this context, our study also highlights the need for continued implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018.
“Importantly, primary objectives of this Act include reducing harms caused by misuse of alcohol, and delaying initiation of alcohol consumption by children and young people[3]. There is also a need for more research on adolescent alcohol use in Ireland, to deepen our understanding of the influences on it.”
The link to the article in full can be found here. Advice for parents about talking to young people about alcohol can be found here.
There are free supports available for families and adolescents. You can Freephone the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 for confidential information and support. For further information and support please see the HSE Website or visit www.drugs.ie
