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Binge drinking

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Binge drinking
Binge drinking, especially among the youth, has been on the rise in Singapore. explore some of the reasons why youths resort to binge drinking and the consequences.

What is binge drinking? This happens when someone drinks excessive amounts of alcohol. To drink alcohol socially is one thing, For instance, at parties and at gatherings. Conversely, when alcohol is heavily consumed over a short period of time, also commonly known as, binge drinking, it brings about undesirable health effects to the body. Binge drinking has been discovered to be more common among youths aged 18 – 29 years old in Singapore. Statistics show that 18.7% of them have been found to be men and 12.2% of them women (“Binge drinking among”, 2013). Peer pressure, affluence and stress are some reasons why youths engage in binge drinking. It is crucial to explore reasons why youths revel in binge drinking despite its obvious dangers. Binge drinking can be described as excessive drinking which can be hazardous to one’s health. This essay will discuss the reasons why youths enjoy binge drinking and its destructive consequences.

Peer pressure is one of the essential drivers of binge drinking. Teenagers are often influenced when they see their friends drinking while some simply do not want to feel left out at parties and gatherings (Dowshen, 2013). Who would really want to stand out from the rest of their friends? It is normal and common for teenagers to want to fit in. Many a times, teenagers find it difficult to resist their friends’ invitations and hence, end up indulging in binge drinking with their friends. This is to a great extent common among teenagers with friends who consistently drink.

Affluence is another cause of binge drinking. It is often stereotyped that youths of low-income families are more likely to resort to drinking and substance abuse due to financial and emotional problems. However, findings have proven otherwise. Youths from affluent families are highly inclined to engage



References: Binge drinking among young adults remains a concern, say doctors. (2013). Retrieved from http://news.xin.msn.com/en/singapore/binge-drinking-among-young-adults-remains-a-concern-say-doctors-1 Burke, D. (2012). Alcohol overdose. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/acoholism/overdose#Overview1 Chavez, N. (2004). Preventing adolescent binge drinking. Retrieved from http://www.youthbingedrinking.org/you/parents.php Cyhlarova, E. (2010). Alcohol: a cure for stress? Retrieved from https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/mental-health/alcohol-a-cure-for-stress#adverse Dowshen, S. (2013). Binge drinking. Retrieved from http://teenshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/alcohol/binge_drink.html# Luthar, S. (2014). The problem with rich kids. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201310/the-problem-rich-kids Wilkins, E. (2008). Teens, alcohol and binge drinking: why kids are drinking hard alcohol at a younger age. Retrieved from http://www.empoweringparents.com/Teens-Alcohol-and-Binge-Drinking.php# White, P. (2007). The dare side of wealth: risks associated with growing up in an affluent family. Retrieved from http://www.drpaulwhite.com/the-dark-side-of-wealth-risks-associated-with-growing-up-in-an-affluent-family-%E2%80%93-risk-1-drug-alcohol-abuse/

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