ACCORDING to media reports, Guyana Police Force (GPF) Commander ‘G’ Division (Essequibo coast and islands) Khali Pareshram, recently noted that underage drinking, particularly by teenagers, is a major problem in that division. The commander related that although there are virtually continuous sensitisation workshops at numerous schools and other institutions across the Pomeroon-Supenaam region that are intended to educate students about alcohol abuse and other matters, underage drinking persists. The senior officer pointed out that parents and guardians need to be aware that they have a role to play in curbing the dangerous trend; he said, “Like any other issue that has to be addressed where children are concerned, this needs a multi-stakeholder approach. Not just the police or other organisations but also families, neighbours, communities etc. That’s the main way of curbing issues that affect our youths.” While one agrees with the Commander, it must be said that the police have more work to do. It is well known that numerous licenced and unlicenced rum shops openly sell alcohol to minors; more effort needs to be put into closing that loophole.

In any case, teenage alcohol abuse is an increasingly significant problem — not only in ‘G’ Division — but in many communities in every region. In April 2009, a two-day discussion on alcohol control was hosted in Georgetown by the health ministry and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). It was found that alcohol is the number one drug of choice for [Guyanese] youths, and the Ministry of Public Health had said more recently that the situation has not changed. It was underscored in 2009 that abuse of the drug causes a frightening variety of physical, legal, economic, and social consequences for the young person and the communities in which they live. It was noted, too, that the alcohol industry earns approximately $22 billion annually from underage drinkers, mostly from the sale of beers, while a total of $4.8 billion is spent by the industry on alcohol advertising, which aims to ‘normalise’ drinking. A more recent report by the Organisation of American States (OAS) and PAHO concluded that 51 per cent of Guyanese aged 15 and 16 use alcohol frequently.

Most research on alcohol abuse has been focused on alcohol and the effects on people in general, essentially relating to adults. Far fewer studies have been conducted relating to the abuse of alcohol by adolescents, and the consequences of drinking from a young age. However, based on available data and observations, experts have identified many of the results of drinking alcohol at an early age. And none of those results are positive.

Evidently, this issue is one of national concern, as the consequences to the individuals involved, their families, the communities, and ultimately, the country are serious. According to PAHO, young people who begin to drink before age 15 are four times more likely to become physically dependent on alcohol and two and a half times more likely to become lifetime abusers of the drug as compared with persons who have their first drink after age 21. PAHO said too that younger drinkers tend to binge-drink to the point of drunkenness; that fact in itself is particularly worrying.

The immediate result of being drunk is well known. While vehicular accidents and related fatalities may be the most common results, falls, death by fire, homicide, drowning, and suicide are also effects caused by acute (immediate) intoxication. Long-term (chronic) effects include liver disease, pancreatitis, suicide, stroke, bowel dysfunction, brain disease, psychiatric disorders, cancers, and sexually transmitted diseases, among others.

Considering all of those factors, the WHO concludes that problem-drinking cuts 15 years from one’s life expectancy, compared with eight years for cigarette-smoking. Obviously, Guyana cannot afford to have its young citizens affected by those issues. Additionally, it is common knowledge that alcohol causes loss of inhibition which may directly produce irresponsible sexual behaviour leading to teenage pregnancy.

Commendably, the Government of Guyana, in collaboration with international agencies, continues to fight underage drinking with various initiatives and programmes. One such initiative is the Substance Misuse Programme which was unveiled by the Ministry of Public Health in May of last year. Specifically, the focus of the programme is on the physical and mental health challenges resulting from overuse and misuse of alcohol. The programme targets young people and aims to educate them on the dangers of substance abuse. However, the point made by Commander Khali Pareshram is worth emphasising;

government alone cannot solve the problem. Parents, guardians, and other family members also have a responsibility to become involved in preventing young people from falling into the trap of substance abuse. Perhaps, more programmes are needed that target adults who are responsible for nurturing young persons. In any case, parents absolutely need to become more directly involved, after all, it is their children who are being hurt by alcohol.