Alcohol and youngsters

ALICANTE has hosted 500 addition experts as part of a national conference.

The meeting amongst the scientific community discussed their concerns about alcohol use in children and the fact that they are largely unaware of the risks of abuse.

A data survey by the National Drug Plan indicated that alcohol, tobacco and cannabis are the drugs most consumed by students, and 79 per cent of youngsters aged between 14 and 18 admit to having ever been drunk, something that “should not happen” declares the delegate for the National Plan, Francisco de Asis Babin. 

During the conference, Babin also highlighted the important role that parents occupy in the perception of children, and adds that families are twice as tolerant of alcohol and tobacco with alcohol particularly, easily available.

However, experts warn of the damage that occurs in the brain of young people following alcohol abuse and severe binge drinking. 

Psychiatrist at the Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona, Josep Guardia said that alcoholism is a serious addictive disease that affects the brain as it is continuing to develop up to the age of 21 and even 25.