This is a monthly discussion of "issues to watch" in the field of alcohol policy.
February/March 2007
Information collected in a study appearing in Addictive Behaviours journal, indicates that historically males are known for excessive drinking but that now female college students seem to be participating in drinking games regularly and that participation in those games leads to increased consumption of alcohol.
High school students are following suit. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the United States indicates 1.5 million girls ages 12 to 17 started drinking alcohol in 2004 compared to about 1.3 million boys.
In Ontario, girls are keeping pace with their male counterparts as well, as the prevalence of drinking does not significantly differ between males (62%) and females (62%) according to the OSDUS survey [PDF] published in 2006. Perhaps of even more concern is that 20% of females in grades 7-12 admit binge drinking (5 or more drinks on an occasion) in the past 4 weeks, only slightly behind males at 25%.
Reasons why girls are starting to drink so much differ. However, studies suggest that women may be copying the heavy drinking behavior of males often in an effort to gain the esteem of male peers. In addition, according to Dr. Ralph Lopez, associate professor at Cornell University, there is the enhanced expectations of girls to succeed academically and also to look perfect … "They have to be skinny and gorgeous".
Increased alcohol consumption among females is an alarming trend for public health officials due to the fact that girls are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol than boys. Warren Seigel, past president of the New York State chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, points out that even moderate drinking among females can disrupt their growth and the development of their reproductive systems. Further, almost 15% of girls reported sexual assault [PDF] or making a poor sexual decision when alcohol was involved.
Other consequences experienced when alcohol is involved are missing class, driving under the influence, engaging in unplanned or unprotected sexual activity, and of course, hangovers. As well, bad behaviours generally travel together, so it is not surprising that those that drink are also more prone to trying nicotine, marijuana, and to misuse prescription drugs.
Going forward, prevention programming for drinking games and high-risk activities involving alcohol and other substances can no longer focus solely on the male population. "If drinking games are a factor in increased alcohol-related consequences in women …, then targeted interventions addressing drinking games may be necessary," concludes Dr. Joseph LaBrie, professor of psychology at Loyola Marymount University.
On February 1, 2007, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario implemented legislation allowing patrons in bars to carry their drinks into the washrooms. The idea around this initiative is to discourage the spiking of drinks with rape drugs.
Presently, it is quite difficult to assess whether this new legislation will have an effect on sexual assaults stemming from spiking drinks due to the facts that it was just implemented in February AND that not all bars are allowing it. This is because the law doesn't take effect automatically – establishments must apply for the privilege.
"We want to be comfortable with what they're going to ask us for before we approve anything," said Ab Campion, of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. "We want to have a look at (the bars) design and of the hallways and washrooms first."
The new legislation can be found on the AGCO website, with specific mention of the washrooms, stairwells, hallways and other similar areas (WHS Policy).
Alcohol and Chronic Disease Prevention
Alcohol consumption has been causally linked with over 60 chronic diseases and acute conditions. With regard to chronic disease, these include, for example, several types of cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, depression and other mental disorders, and Type 2 diabetes. There are also associations between high risk drinking and other risk factors for chronic disease, such as smoking, unhealthy eating, obesity, and illicit drug use.
Join us for the 4th annual forum focusing on current and emerging issues related to alcohol consumption and implications for health and safety policies. The aim of this forum is to bring substance abuse prevention and chronic disease professionals together in an opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange. This year we will be discussing the link between alcohol and chronic disease and the practical programming that is currently available in relation to this relevant and timely topic.
The fourth annual Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity forum will take place on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at the Harbourfront Community Centre in Toronto. For further information and registration, visit the Forum Registration page.
