By the editor
Are you saying that all families are not equal?
“Blended families are more at risk: Among consumers who are abusive or at risk of dependency, the 2007 Ireb survey shows an over-representation of blended families. On the other hand, no greater risk is observed in single-parent families. Generally speaking, in families in difficulty, the parents no longer dare to prohibit anything: The authorization given or not given by the parents to consume alcohol, even in their absence, plays an important role: young people who drink too much more often report being allowed to drink or at least not being discouraged by their parents. »
What can parents do?
“Their children drink a lot more than they think and start around 13-14 years old. They should not be afraid to start a dialogue: before discussing the consumption of alcohol, a young person wants to talk to his parents when he has got into the habit of talking to them. This is an essential point in education, in order to transmit knowledge. The goal remains to help them grow and be happy. We must try to maintain a protective communication: it is useless to prohibit, it is preferable to set limits, to explain, to remain in the exchange… and above all to set an example. »
With the Palmade affair, we talk a lot regarding drugs…
“Alcohol is the 5th most addictive drug, behind heroin, cocaine, nicotine and barbiturates. Alcohol is the leading cause of death among people under 30. »
And you, how did you do with your children?
“Alcohol consumption education can be done by learning regarding the gastronomic aspect of alcohol (taste, smell, flavor, marriage between alcohol and food, etc.). I did it with my children when they were teenagers, and I still talk to them regarding it: what is a red wine, the prices, the terroirs. I visited a vineyard with them. I suggested that the children follow a small seminar on drunk driving with their friends. I told them regarding the “Be My Angel” application, which allows you to see your alcohol level, and regarding the lateral safety position when young people have drunk too much. Finally, I reminded them that someone who is in an alcoholic coma, we must put a blanket on them and call 112 as soon as possible. »
V.Li.
The Mineral Tour is slowly coming to an end and more than 1.5 million Belgians took part in this event.
Par V.Li.
Why does a young person or an adult mainly drink?
“To be able to talk with others. Uninhibit yourself. »
You say it is possible to party differently?
“You have to relearn how to meet others, to laugh and play together… You can be happy without using products, in particular by practicing a sport or through cultural activities. Young people who perform meaningful acts crave alcohol less quickly. »
Is there a link between pocket money and consumption?
“Young people who have pocket money between 51 and 100 euros are 5.9 times more likely to be heavy consumers than moderate ones. »
In the evening, might the music make us drink more?
“Indeed, this question is raised in the book: Nicolas Guegen, professor of social psychology at the University of South Brittany, conducted a study which reveals that the sound level encourages drinking more: 72 decibels (usual volume): 2.5 drinks consumed; 88 decibels: 3.8 glasses consumed!”
What regarding cannabis and alcohol?
“Cannabis interferes with the evolution of the brain in adolescence and weakens it in the processes of learning and memorization (like alcohol). Attention and concentration are disturbed. Not to mention a loss of desire to participate in school activities, withdrawal and emotional problems. The alcohol-cannabis association is more accident-prone in terms of road safety than cannabis alone. This combination can sometimes cause unexpected effects. An initial “high” can very suddenly turn into nausea, vomiting and headache, which can seem very scary. »
Any tips for having fun in the evening?
“Drink two glasses the first hour, then one glass per hour. This rhythm allows you to keep your ideas clear. »
Do we also often forget its impact on sleep?
“Alcohol does not improve the quality of sleep, it disrupts it. My advice to a young person: “If you can’t fall asleep following practice or a game at night, try meditation, relaxation or even watching a movie. »
The impact on the brain and on the driving of scooters
You have always insisted on the impact on the brain…but why?
“The brain of young people is maturing. It only becomes mature at the age of 25. During adolescence, alcohol insidiously alters the functioning of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex. This immaturity of the prefrontal cortex in adolescents largely explains the typical behaviors of the teenage crisis: difficulty in making decisions, increased impulsivity and risk taking. There is a loss of brain tissue from 6 glasses of alcohol a day. »
Do you also draw attention to the driving of scooters?
“A study has shown that one in two young people who use this means of transport have had more than two drinks. The other great danger for young people is obviously driving under the influence. Alcohol plays a role in 25% of fatal accidents. Research has shown that the risk of a crash following drinking alcohol can be over a hundred times higher than for a sober driver. Young, inexperienced drivers, in particular, are more at risk of being involved in an accident, even with low doses of alcohol. »
Do you also remember the risks of violence?
In a study aggregating more than 9,300 cases from eleven different countries, it was found that 62% of the perpetrators of serious violence had been drinking at the time of committing their acts or shortly before. »
A word on energy drinks?
“Energy drinks clearly increase the risk of drunkenness, but also of alcohol dependence! A study explains that regular consumers of this type of drink are at high risk of excessive alcohol consumption and predisposition to alcoholism. »
