Breaking the Chains: A Call to End Alcohol Consumption Among Youth
About us
At Great Endeavors Nexus Group, we are formally known as The Advocates, we are driven by a profound commitment to fostering positive change in individuals' lives and our communities. Established with a vision to make a meaningful impact, we recognize the pervasive issue of alcohol consumption among youth as a significant societal challenge that demands collective attention and action.
Our mission is to be a catalyst for change, empowering individuals and communities to overcome the challenges of alcohol consumption. We believe in a holistic approach that encompasses education, support, and advocacy to create a future free from the shackles of alcohol dependency.
The Advocates
Hello! I'm Justine de Castro, a 17-year-old STEM student at Saint Louis University Senior High School. I'm a compassionate individual with a keen interest in mental health and well-being.
Regarding alcohol consumption among youth, I believe in understanding and supporting those affected. Let's encourage open conversations to reduce stigma and help each other out.
Hello! I am Ethan Raphael A. Suclad, a proud resident of Baguio City. I am 16 years old, I engage myself in sports mainly Basketball, and I also play the guitar and drums.
I believe that drinking alcohol at an early age, no positives or no upbringing for any individual. Remember that prevention is better than cure, alcohol consumption among the youth needs to be stopped.
Hello! I'm Ma. Therese Jhoanna V. Andres, a 16-year-old STEM student at Saint Louis University from Nueva Ecija with a passion for singing and dancing.
Beyond my artistic interests, I am deeply committed to raising awareness about alcohol consumption among youth. My goal is to contribute to creating a safe and understanding environment for a healthier future within our society.
Hi! I am Vynese Felicitas, currently residing here in Baguio City. I am a 16 years old student at SLU ShS, my interests mostly consist of arts and music. .
Alcohol addiction is a serious topic that shall be dealt with seriously. Although overcoming an addiction is never an easy task, there will always be ways to cure it. One should be aware of the possible effects of too much alcohol intake. How it plays a role in the deterioration of one's mental and physical well-being.
Advocate Posters
The Reasons
Underage drinking is a prevalent issue, and several factors can contribute to this problem. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Peer Pressure: As teens enter their adolescent years, their friends exert significant influence on them, making peer pressure among the most common reasons for underage drinking.
- Environmental Influences: Film and television media often depict drinking as a "cool" and independent teenager's behavior. Alcohol advertisements also promote positive experiences with drinking, selling their brands as desirable lifestyle choices.
- Coping Mechanism: The teenage years are filled with stress, boredom, pressure from school, not fitting in, problems at home, or underlying mental health issues like anxiety, childhood trauma, ADHD, or depression. As a misguided attempt to cope with these issues, teens may turn to alcohol.
- Appearance: Many teenagers want to prove that they're no longer children and might see drinking as a way of appearing older and more independent.
- Curiosity: Curiosity is a natural part of adolescence, and some teens may be interested in trying alcohol out of curiosity to see what it feels like, how it tastes, or what effects it has on them.
- Family Influence: If a teenager grows up in a home where alcohol is readily available, or if they witness their family members drinking excessively, they may be more likely to start drinking at a younger age.
- Lack of Education: Some teens may not understand the dangers and risks associated with drinking alcohol, especially if they have not received proper education or guidance on the topic.
- Easy Access: Alcohol can be easily accessible to teens, whether it's through friends, older siblings, or even stealing from their parents' liquor cabinet.
The Outcomes
Underage drinking doesn't just affect your physical and mental health; it affects those around you. Here are a few specific consequences of drinking alcohol while underage:
- Impaired Senses: Even a small amount of alcohol can cause blurred vision, dulled hearing, and difficulty understanding your surroundings. Lethargy is also a common side effect of underage drinking.
- Harmful Behaviors: Underage drinking can lead to dangerous behavior like driving while intoxicated, unprotected sex, and violence. It impairs judgement which can lead to high-risk decisions. Additionally, alcohol consumption by minors can lead to academic problems such as absenteeism and poor grades.
- Social Consequences: Drinking alcohol while underage can result in social isolation and difficulty forming healthy relationships. It can also lead to a lack of respect for authority and disregard for rules and laws.
- Health Risks: Underage drinking can negatively impact brain development and lead to long-term health issues such as liver disease, cancer, and addiction.
- Financial Costs: Underage drinking is costly, not only in terms of the immediate expenses of purchasing alcohol but also in terms of long-term financial consequences such as fines, legal fees, and increased insurance rates.
Parents, educators, and society as a whole needs to educate minors about the dangers of underage drinking. Encouraging them to make responsible choices and providing support and resources can help prevent the negative effects of underage alcohol consumption. By working together, we can make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our youth and communities.
The Solutions
Alcohol among the youth is a timely issue that has been present for years., but there are certainly many alternatives or solutions that could help solve this issue. Here are some of the most effective and relevant solutions. Here are some ways to prioritize your mental health:
- Know your limits
- Find better coping mechanisms: Everyone copes with stress differently, but it's important to find healthy ways to manage it. Additionally, learn to recognize your limits and don't push yourself too hard. If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and assess the situation.
- Spreading awareness and advocating for mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage others to prioritize their own mental well-being. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
- Taking care of your mental health should be a top priority in your life. With the busy and often stressful lifestyles that many of us lead, it's easy to overlook the importance of maintaining good mental health. However, prioritizing your mental well-being can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life.
The Statistics Prove It
Just Say NO
Advocacy Video
Contact Us!
Contact us to learn more about our mission and holistic approach to overcoming alcohol consumption among youth. We believe in empowering individuals and communities through education, support, and advocacy. Together, let's create a future free from the shackles of alcohol dependency.
Phone
+639167985067
e-mail
greatendeavorsnexusgroup@gmail.com
socialS
REFERENCES:
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/underage-drinking.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm#:~:text=Disruption%20of%20normal%20growth%20or,burns%2C%20falls%2C%20or%20drowning.