Emerging Adults
It has come to the attention of the Chicago Department of Public Health that there is a concerning health risk among emerging adults (18-30) in the state of Illinois. The health risk in particular is the use of alcohol. Over indulgence in alcohol results in injures, car accidents, and domestic abuse. These behaviors are toxic to the individual and society which is why this issue must be addressed and reduced. As adults transition from adolescence they are given new forms of freedom and independence, which can have costly effects on their health. According to Health, United States (2008), “about 6%–8% of young men and 3%–5% of young women reporting heavy drinking. Heavy drinking is defined as more than 14 drinks per week for men and more than
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(2012), “Not only is emerging adulthood (usually defined as the period from 18-26) an important developmental period characterized by peak prevalence of substance of substance use problems and problems related to use, it also sets the stage for later adult development.” (pg.749). Behaviors pertaining to alcohol consumption and illicit drug use are all central to a young adult’s search of identity and new and profound independence. Emerging adults are faced with a number of stressors in their lives. They are expected to have their lives mapped out in terms of planning for further education, acquiring financial independence, and maintaining healthy and happy lifestyles, (Arnett, 2005). These daily stressors are possible indicators of why emerging adults binge drink. Though binge drinking is a risk that can affect all emerging adults it was found in research conducted by Stone et al. (2012) that over consumption in alcohol is higher among male emerging adults. Coate and Grossman (1998) found that “strong drink and driving policies predicted lower male drinking and binging, not female binging”. It was also found that “Beer prices did not predict male drinking, but predicted less female under-age drink and binge.” (Stone et al., 2012). This explains how taxation and regulation are solutions that can reduce binge drinking, and behaviors such as intoxicated driving, domestic abuse and violence, and injuries. Though regulations’ and taxation are solutions that can reduce such behaviors and short term and long term effects there needs to be more of an awareness and advocacy of safe drinking in the state of
(2012), “Not only is emerging adulthood (usually defined as the period from 18-26) an important developmental period characterized by peak prevalence of substance of substance use problems and problems related to use, it also sets the stage for later adult development.” (pg.749). Behaviors pertaining to alcohol consumption and illicit drug use are all central to a young adult’s search of identity and new and profound independence. Emerging adults are faced with a number of stressors in their lives. They are expected to have their lives mapped out in terms of planning for further education, acquiring financial independence, and maintaining healthy and happy lifestyles, (Arnett, 2005). These daily stressors are possible indicators of why emerging adults binge drink. Though binge drinking is a risk that can affect all emerging adults it was found in research conducted by Stone et al. (2012) that over consumption in alcohol is higher among male emerging adults. Coate and Grossman (1998) found that “strong drink and driving policies predicted lower male drinking and binging, not female binging”. It was also found that “Beer prices did not predict male drinking, but predicted less female under-age drink and binge.” (Stone et al., 2012). This explains how taxation and regulation are solutions that can reduce binge drinking, and behaviors such as intoxicated driving, domestic abuse and violence, and injuries. Though regulations’ and taxation are solutions that can reduce such behaviors and short term and long term effects there needs to be more of an awareness and advocacy of safe drinking in the state of