FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGES IN ADOLESCENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

From very ancient times, man learned to ferment grains and juices to obtain a
substance that caused him a special state . This state varies in different people
according to the amount ingested and according to the motivations for their
interference. We refer to the state of alcoholic intoxication.

There are written reports of the use of beer , wine and other alcoholic beverages
dating back to 3000 years BC. But the distillation process applied to fermented drinks
dates back to around 800 AD. This process has allowed the preparation of highly
potent liquors that are currently consumed. The influence of alcohol in society has
had great weight as a problematic factor in the formation and functioning of the
family , individual and therefore society . The influence of alcohol has been reflected
in different spheres of the history of society since ancient times.

" Alcohol consumption has been recognized as a factor of social integration and
promoting coexistence." That is, alcohol is one of the intoxicating beverages,
consumed in moderation and in permitted contexts, it reduces tension, disinhibits and
causes feelings of well-being. "Normal" drinkers enjoy drinks for those pleasurable
effects and appreciate different qualities of drinks. Unfortunately, varying proportions
of individuals in the population present problems in their health and interpersonal
relationships due to immoderate alcohol consumption .

Alcohol is one of the drugs that, due to its easy access and powerful propaganda ,
has become a true social problem in almost all countries and at all ages starting from
adolescence . Alcohol is the drug most widely used by adolescents in the US and
Mexico, although we do not have statistics, there is evidence of a high rate of
alcoholism among young people. However, what are the disorders caused by
excessive alcohol use? Many people may think that as long as they do not become a
typical alcoholic, the consequences of drinking frequently and in high doses are not
so alarming. But the ravages of alcohol can be serious and many of them irreversible.
Below we talk about some of the short-term effects caused by alcohol.

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive and often fatal disease; It is a primary disorder

and not a symptom of other illnesses or emotional problems . . The WHO defines
alcoholism as the daily intake of alcohol greater than 50 grams in women and 70
grams in men (a glass of liquor or a mixed drink has approximately 40 grams of
alcohol, a quarter of a liter of wine 30 grams and a quarter liter of beer 15 grams).
Alcoholism seems to be produced by the combination of various physiological,
psychological and genetic factors. It is characterized by an emotional and sometimes
organic dependence on alcohol, and produces progressive brain damage and
eventually death .
Alcoholism affects adult males more, but its incidence is increasing among women
and young people. Alcohol consumption and problems have been increasing
throughout the West since 1980, including the United States , the European Union
and the former Eastern countries, as well as in developing countries.

The present study constitutes a valuable contribution on the alarming increase in the
improper consumption of alcoholic beverages by secondary school students in the
northern area of the department of Oruro.

2. DEVELOPMENT OF THE THEME

In Bolivia, the consumption of alcoholic beverages has increased alarmingly, and this
is one of the factors that influences the violent behavior of youth. The causes are
several, but group pressure is the predominant one.

A study by the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), called the Bolivia Youth Survey
2006, established that 68.5% of young people and adolescents drink alcohol. The
work was carried out in Chuquisaca, La Paz, Cochabamba, Oruro and Santa Cruz,
and detected that alcoholism is the second serious problem, after drugs, that this
segment of the Bolivian population faces.

In the city of Oruro, the high consumption of alcoholic beverages is very critical
among the student population. Some studies indicate that the violent behavior
recorded in adolescents and young people has a lot to do with alcohol consumption
and the permissiveness of parents who do not adequately control their children.

3. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

3.1. Definition of alcoholic beverages

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Alcohol, or ethanol, is produced naturally as a product of the decomposition of plant
carbohydrates. This is done by certain yeasts and fungi that also occur in nature or
that man can cultivate artificially for this purpose. Ethanol is a psychoactive substance
and is a depressant of the nervous system. (WHO 2005)

According to the same WHO, alcoholism is a “behavioral disorder that is manifested

by the uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, which interferes with the
physical, mental, social and/or family health of the drinker.” And its characteristics
are: (ALCAZAR, F. 2000).
1. Property of alcohol

Alcohol is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with a burning taste and strong
odor.

2. Chemical composition

Alcohol is a drink composed of carbon-Hydrogen and Oxygen, the product of a

fermentation of a wide variety of vegetables, from cereals to sugar cane, grapes
and fruits, its chemical symbol is C2H5OH.

3. Conceptual differences regarding alcoholism

Drunkenness, drunkenness, alcoholism and intoxication, the habitual drinker is the

one who suffers from alcoholism, it is dipsomania and/or exaggerated fondness
for alcoholic beverages, however the terms drunkenness, intoxication, alcoholism
and intoxication are transitory and momentary states.

a) Drunkenness: It is the effect of getting drunk due to the abundant ingestion of

alcoholic beverages until losing the use of reason. It can also refer to the
disturbance of the mind, due to sentimental circumstances, so we say drunk
with anger, drunk with grief, where there is an extreme exaltation of spirit.

It also refers to a banquet or feast where there is an excess of food and drink.

b) Drunk: Refers to the individual addicted to the use of alcoholic stimulants.

Drunkenness is synonymous with intoxication and drunkenness: this term is
more appropriately applied to certain disturbances of the mind due to
sentimental or passionate circumstances such as: drunk with joy, drunk with
happiness, drunk with love, drunk with revenge, drunk with pleasure, etc. .
c) Ethyl: In its proper sense it refers to compounds derived from ethane, when it
refers to first order hydrocarbons, then ethanol and/or ethyl alcohol. But in a
figurative sense it refers to a person intoxicated by ingesting alcoholic
beverages.
d) Drunkenness: It is the loss of reason caused by alcohol or another drink that
consists of temporary madness and disturbance.

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 e) Alcoholism: It is the interpretation caused by the abuse of alcoholic
beverages, it is a constitutional or social disease that ends in acute and
definitive intoxication of the organism, which consists of the sensation of
mental functions with the total inhibition of judgment and motor control.
Alcoholism is a form of conflict relief that commonly occurs in every home and
is frequently associated with feelings of illness.

3.1.2. Phases of alcoholism

Years ago in a sample of 2000 alcoholics, Dr. M. Jellinik (2005) was able to verify the
existence of a general course of symptom progression and distinguish three phases
of alcoholism as a disease. These phases are:

1. Pre-alcoholic Stage: It is the symptom in which the drinker has the feeling that
alcohol provides a state of well-being. It is the symptomatic stage that, if controlled,
addiction can continue with the following dangers.
2. Crucial or basic stage: Its characteristic sign is the loss of control, or in other
words the inability to abandon the habit of drinking. They are the customers who
frequent the drink outlets for weeks.
3. Chronic alcoholism: It is when the individual enters into complete physical and
moral decline, permanent social demoralization begins in his life, accompanied by
hallucinations, delirium, madness. It refers to the habitual excesses of the drinker.

3.2. Classification of alcoholic beverages

3.2.1. CLASSIFICATION OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

MORE FREQUENT
Fermented drinks (5º-15º)

Vermouths and appetizers 16º-24º

Dig 12º

Wine 11º-12º

Beer 4th-5th

Cider 3rd
Distilled beverages (25º-60º)

Rum 40º-80º

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Whiskey 40º-50º

Cognac 40º

Gin 40º

Vodka 40º

Anise 36º

Pacharán 28th
Non-alcoholic alcoholic beverages (0.5º-1º)

Non-alcoholic beer 0.8º-1º

a) Fermented drinks.

This chemical process occurs when certain vegetables and fruits with a high glucose
content are allowed to rest for a long period of time and at an appropriate
temperature.

The most consumed in our country are table wine (11º-12º), beer (4º-5º) and cider
(3º). Aperitif wines, such as vermouths, range between an alcohol content of 18º to
24º, and are formed by adding to the wine, but also other bitter or stimulant vegetable
substances.

b) Distilled beverages.

It is obtained when fermented drinks are boiled. As part of its water content is
eliminated by heat, the alcohol content rises.

Among the most consumed are whiskey (50º), gin (40º), rum (40º.80º), cognac (40º),
anise (36) and pacharán (28º). There are also more purifying drinks, such as certain
rums or spirits, which exceed an alcohol concentration of 50%.

c) Non-alcoholic alcoholic beverages.

These are some beers and, less frequently, wines or aperitifs that are advertised as
drinks lacking this compound but which, however, have an alcoholic content of 0.8º to
1º.

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3.3. Consequences and diseases

The effects of alcohol are measured not so much by the amount of alcohol ingested
but by the amount of alcohol that is concentrated in the blood. When the
concentration of alcohol in the blood reaches 0.1%, the person is considered
intoxicated. When the concentration reaches 0.5% the nervous system fails and
death can occur. (MAMANI. F. 2001)

The same author continues stating that the alcohol contained in certain drinks such
as: beer, wine, rum, chicha, chuflay, whiskey, vodka, etc., produces a decrease in the
functioning of the nervous system, which is why it is called a depressant. .

A small amount of alcohol consumed, between 5 and 10% of the alcohol, is

eliminated, either through breathing, urine or sweat. This means that the body has to
assimilate practically everything it consumes.

3.3.1. Effects on different organs.

The effects of alcohol are lethal on the human organism, many people consider that
its effects are temporary and do not give it importance, however almost all parts of the
human organism are affected. These effects are described below (CARLO, P. 1992):

1. Brain: May cause permanent damage to brain cells.

2. Lungs: Produces great possibilities of conditions.

3. Stomach: Alcohol irritates the stomach and can cause alcoholic gastritis.
Irritation of the digestive tract (stomach and esophagus).

4. Heart: Contributes to raising blood pressure, enlarging the heart and causing
heart attacks.

5. Liver: Produces severe swelling, hepatitis, cirrhosis, the latter can cause
death.
6. Pancreas or Intestines: Inflammation and diarrhea.

7. Sexual Organs: Causes impotence in men and frigidity in women.

The author describes the following elements of alcohol abuse:

a) Overdose.

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Alcohol is a drug and people can die from an overdose. This is especially a danger
among teenagers who may want to impress their friends with their ability to drink
alcohol but cannot yet measure the effects.

b) Accidents and violence.

Alcohol plays a role in more than half of all car accident deaths. Having less than two
drinks can impair your ability to drive. Alcohol also increases the risk of accidental
injuries from several other causes.

In a study carried out among emergency room patients, it was shown that 47% of
those in the emergency room tested positive for alcohol, and 35% were drunk. Of
those who were intoxicated, 75% showed evidence of chronic alcoholism.

c) Medical problems.

Alcoholism can harm the body in so many ways that it is impossible to cover these
problems entirely in a short report. The following are just some of the disorders
caused by chronic alcohol use:

The heart disease. Although moderate alcohol consumption appears to reduce the
risk of heart attacks by improving cholesterol levels, larger doses of alcohol can
trigger abnormal heart rhythms and increase blood pressure even among people who
do not have a history of heart disease. One major study found that people who
consumed more than three alcoholic drinks a day had higher blood pressure than
abstainers, with blood pressure increasing as alcohol consumption increased. People
who drank to the point of intoxication had even higher blood pressure than people
who drank regularly.

Cancer. Alcohol may not cause cancer, but it probably can increase the carcinogenic
effects of other substances, such as cigarette smoke. Daily drinking increases the risk
of contracting cancers of the lung, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum,
cancers of the urinary tract, brain tumors, lymphomas and leukemias. About 75% of
cancers of the esophagus and 50% of cancers of the mouth, throat, and larynx are
attributed to alcoholism.

Gastrointestinal and liver problems. Alcohol puts the liver in particular danger. Here,
alcohol is converted into an even more toxic substance, acetaldehyde, which can
cause substantial harm, including cirrhosis in 10% of people who suffer from
alcoholism. Liver damage is more common and develops more quickly in women than
in men with similar histories of alcohol abuse. Within the gastrointestinal tract, alcohol
can contribute to the cause of ulcers and pancreatitis, a serious infection of the
pancreas.

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Pneumonia and other infections. Alcohol suppresses the immune system and people
suffering from alcoholism are prone to infections. Acute alcoholism in particular is
associated with a severe form of pneumonia, which may be due to factors other than
an impaired immune system. Mental and neurological disorders. A recent study found
that alcohol exerts effects on the brain. It appears to suppress activity in the parts of
the brain where learning and memory occur and increase activity in areas related to
emotion, sensory responses and stress.

Disorders of the skin, muscles and bones. Severe alcoholism is associated with
osteoporosis, muscle wasting with swelling and pain, skin wounds and itching.
Additionally, alcohol-dependent women appear to face an increased risk of muscle
damage, including heart muscles, from the toxic effects of alcohol.

Hormonal effects. Alcoholism increases levels of the female hormone known as

estrogen and reduces levels of the male hormone known as testosterone, factors that
contribute to impotence in men.

Smoking A recent study concludes that alcoholics who smoke are at greater risk from
tobacco than they are from alcohol. Smoking is two to three times more prevalent
among people who abuse drugs than among the general population; Alcoholics are
believed to make up a quarter of all smokers. More alcoholics die from tobacco-
related diseases, such as heart disease or cancer, than from chronic liver disease,
cirrhosis or other diseases related to excessive alcohol consumption.

Diabetes. Alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, a decrease in blood sugar, which is

especially dangerous among people with diabetes who take insulin. Diabetics who
are drunk may not be able to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia, a particularly
dangerous disease.

3.3.2. Consumption Stages

The consumption stages are given depending on the degree of consumption of the
people. Substance consumption goes through different stages until it becomes a true
dependence. These stages are:(CARLOS, P. 1994).

1. Experimental consumption: Motivated by curiosity or group pressure, it is a

circumstantial intake or use of alcohol.

2. Regular consumption: Refers to the routine consumption of substances.

3. Concern about consumption: When the consumption of one of these substances

interferes with the consumer's family, personal and social relationship.

4. Chemical Dependence: It is the total dependence on the ingested substance that

produces physical, psychological and social damage. Destructive stage.

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3.3.3. Consequences

The first and best known of the consequences is tolerance, although of course the
characteristics of the person count a lot. Let's say that in alcoholics it is very clear;
each time they need larger quantities of alcohol to achieve the state of well-being they
seek. But it must be taken into account that many of these alcoholics have a negative
tolerance; with a very small amount of alcohol that they become completely drunk.
(PRUDENCIO, J.1998)

3.3.4. Youth Alcoholism

Nowadays a good percentage of young students and others who have their time or
who live outside the control of their parents indulge in debauchery. Therefore, they
are immersed in the most absolute moral corruption, in their party gatherings of
friends, parties and entertainment, some rules of social conduct are imposed such as
(WHO, 2005):

“If you drink you are big, if not you are a child.”

“Drinking is a thing for brave people, not doing it is a thing for cowards”

“Whoever does not agree to drink is censured by the group”

“Not drinking is abnormal and unwanted behavior”

“Not drinking means affecting friendships”

“Not drinking among friends is showing little manliness”

“Not accepting the drink is despising your friend.”

3.4. Remedies and ways on alcoholism

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is a complex social phenomenon, where

different individual and social variables intervene. When looking for the causes that
determine consumption, risk factors are called those social, cultural and/or individual
characteristics that together, at a given moment, increase the person's vulnerability to
drug consumption. On the other hand, protective factors refer to the stimuli and
situations originating in the individual, the group or the social environment that, when
present in a certain period of life, determine a lower vulnerability in relation to the
consumption of these beverages. (ALCAZAR, F. 2000).

3.4.1. Brain chemistry.

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The craving for alcohol during withdrawal, the pain associated with withdrawal, and
the high relapse rate are due to the brain's adaptation and reliance on chemical
[brain] changes caused by long-term alcohol use. Alcohol causes relaxation and
euphoria but at the same time it also acts as a depressant on the central nervous
system. Even after years of research, experts still don't know exactly how alcohol
affects the brain. It appears to exert greater effects in the hippocampus, an area in
the brain associated not only with learning and memory but also with the regulation of
emotion, sensory processing, appetite and stress.

3.4.2. Genetic factors.

In people suffering from severe alcoholism, researchers have identified a gene that
affects the function of a nerve-cell structure known as dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2),
which, in turn, influences dopamine activity. This gene is also found in people with
attention deficit disorder, who are at increased risk for alcoholism, and is also present
in people with Tourette syndrome and autism. (MAMANI. F, 2001)

to. Depression and anxiety.

Some people drink to relieve anxiety or depression, and theories have been proposed
that an inherited tendency for depression or anxiety may make people more prone to
alcoholism. Studies have indicated, however, that when children of alcoholic parents
are raised by nonalcoholic parents, their risks for alcoholism remain high but
opportunities for depression or anxiety are no greater than those of the general
population.

b. General risks and age.

A national survey conducted in 1996 revealed that 11 million Americans were serious
drinkers (five or more drinks per occasion on five or more days in a month) in the
month preceding the survey. People with a family history of alcoholism are more likely
to start drinking before age 20 and become alcoholics. However, anyone who starts
drinking as a teenager is at greater risk; Currently, 1.9 million young people between
the ages of 12 and 20 consider themselves serious drinkers and 4.4 million drink until
they get drunk.

c. The gender.

The majority of alcoholics are men, but the incidence of alcoholism among women
has nonetheless been increasing for the past 30 years. About 3.9% of men are
serious drinkers and 1.9% of women; 22.8% of men drink until they get drunk
compared to 8.7% of women. In general, young women with alcohol problems tend to
follow their parents' drinking patterns.

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3.5. IMPORTANCE OF THE TOPIC

The tendency towards alcohol consumption begins at an early age (adolescence), so

it is advisable to investigate why it manifests itself, what causes it and how young
people handle it. It is a problem that must be detected and corrected in time by those
parents or guardians, to avoid future addicts. Since alcoholism is socially accepted, it
is believed that it will never lead to addiction, and this is a freely distributed product.

According to the Ombudsman for Children in the city of Oruro, adolescents consume
alcohol because they want to escape from their painful family reality or to copy
behavior models from their social environment and, on the other hand, there is little
regulation and sanction in places. of sale of alcoholic beverages to minors. In addition
to the permissiveness of some parents and the inversion of values.

The consumption of alcohol and tobacco are habits that adolescents notice in their
elders, practically since they can remember, so it is not foreign to them.

The effects of high consumption of alcoholic beverages translate into absenteeism

and school dropout, gang formation, aggression and rebellion in their homes, mental
disorders and health problems in general.

4. Conclusions and Recommendations

Conclusions:

 The consumption of alcoholic beverages is critical and alarming in the students

of the three schools in the northern zone.

 There is carelessness, little or no attention on the part of parents with their

children, this being a determining factor why there is a tendency for their
children to consume beverages.

 Students have availability and accessibility to the consumption of alcoholic

beverages.
Recommendations:

 The present study should serve as a basis to create awareness in civil society,
especially in Schools, Departmental Health Service, Departmental Education
Service, Defenders of Children and Adolescents, the Departmental Police and
the community as a whole, to design public policies and action plans, aimed at
avoiding and/or reducing the consumption of alcoholic beverages by students
in schools in the northern area of the city of Oruro.

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  Immediate actions must be taken to control the sale of alcoholic beverages.

 Health Centers and Schools must hold talks and training on risk factors for the
consumption of alcoholic beverages for students and parents.

 On the other hand, schools must manage the incorporation of a psychologist or

similar professional, to provide a comprehensive response service to the
problem of alcohol consumption.

5. BIBLIOGRAPHY

ALCAZAR, Fernando. DEL C. et al, Comparative Urban Study, Alcohol Consumption,

Tobacco, Cocaine and Other Drugs in Bolivia, CELIN Editorial, Bolivia, 2000 Edition.

CARLO, Pedro P. Something more about alcohol and drugs, 1992 Edition, Editorial
Don Bosco, La Paz Bolivia.

CARLO, Pedro. Q. The risk of being young, 1994 Edition, Editorial CESE, Bolivia.

Jellinik, Manuel. The risks of alcoholism, Editorial San Antonio, Bogotá, Colombia,
2000.

MAMANI. Freddy. M. It is a spectrum of drug addiction, Edition 2001, Editorial

Quelco, Oruro Bolivia.

World Health Organization, Annual Report on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, 2005.

PRUDENCIO, Jorge, et al, Making decisions, 1998 Edition, editorial Center for
Communication Programs JHU Save the Children USAID, La Paz Bolivia

NB-MSPS, National Standard, Rules and Clinical Protocols for Comprehensive

Health Care for Adolescents, 2000 Edition.

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COURSE OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION SCIENCES, Alcoholism a spiral of
destruction, 1999 Edition, MAC Printers Editorial

6. Annexes

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