Literature Review: Drinking Culture of London Students

This literature review delves into the drinking culture of London students, examining the various factors that influence their alcohol consumption patterns. It explores the trends of alcohol consumption among young adults, highlighting the risks associated with excessive drinking and the impact of family habits. The review also analyzes the measures taken by the UK government to reduce alcohol consumption, including increased taxes, restrictions on advertising, and minimum unit pricing. Furthermore, it discusses the consequences of excessive drinking, both short-term and long-term, such as health issues, risky behaviors, and potential for addiction. Finally, the review outlines effective strategies for preventing alcohol addiction among students, emphasizing the importance of parental and peer support, avoiding temptations, setting personal goals, and seeking professional help.

Research project
DRINKING CULTURE OF LONDON STUDENTS
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LITERATURE REVIEW
Factors influencing drinking behaviour
In the present era overall trends in the market are changing at faster pace where
youngsters have started to consume alcohols on larger basis. As per the report published by
ESPAD in the year 2013 it has been identified that North European and British young students
consumes alcohol over the moderate consumption and high risk of becoming heavy drinkers is
present. Further, the level of alcohol consumption and other problems linked with it in the young
people is one of the major concerns. Youngsters are generally seems to be at risk of harmful
patterns of consumption. As per view of Vasilaki, Hosier and Cox, (2006) students who are
pursuing higher degree stands on top in terms of alcohol consumption. In country like UK the
overall alcohol consumption per capita for drinkers lying under 15 years of age reached doubled.
Apart from this, some data of alcohol consumption is also present which is unrecorded and it
takes into consideration informally produced alcohol and those obtained through cross border.
World health organization has estimated that level of unrecorded alcohol consumption is about
1.7 liters per head (Vasilaki, Hosier and Cox, 2006). Further, the information linked with alcohol
consumption has been obtained from variety of sources which involves British beer and pub
association etc and it has been found that alcohol consumption of youngsters is quite high as
compared with people lying under other age group. On the other hand, obtaining correct
information regarding alcohol consumption is little bit difficult as it depends on the preference of
every individual.
However argued Haerens and et. al., (2008) that in country like UK consumption of
Alcohol is measured in units. At present the statistics of Alcohol 2015 organized from national
statistical institute of health and social care the total quantity which is being consumed by
youngsters lying in the age 16 to 24 years is far over the moderate consumption which is up to 9
units for women and around 12 units for men. Apart from this it has been identified that young
adult attitude along with children preference to alcohol drinking is influenced by their family
habits in relations with drinking of alcohol (Haerens and et. al., 2008). Different studies have
supported in knowing that young students who are residing with other people prefers to drink
alcohol. Further, 83% of the individuals who are living with no one drinks alcohol and had never
drunk comparing with 30% of the teenagers who have resided with one or more drinkers.
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Majority of the young individuals prefer to consume alcohol with their friends and family
members.
As per view Schulte, Ramo and Brown, (2009) of the infant feeding survey carried out in
the year 2010 has shown that 48% of the women have declined the level of alcohol consumption
during and after pregnancy and around 4% have drank the same. Further, information collected
from health and lifestyle in England in the year 2013 the second highest number of mental health
treatment were 19% for mental and behavioral orders which was due to alcohol. In short,
consumption of alcohol as a beverage is having harm on teenage brain.
Measures taken by government of UK to reduce alcohol consumption
As per view of Stueve and O'Donnell, (2005) government has developed alcohol
strategies in the year 2015 so that overall impact of harmful drinking can be reduced and main
stress is on protecting youngsters who are indulged into practices of excess alcohol consumption.
Further, UK government has increased tax rates on alcohol unit and sponsorship on this beverage
has been banned for sport and cultural activities such as musical concert where majority of the
individuals are under 18 years. Further, minimum unit cost for alcohol and other measures
implemented assisted in decreasing the level of alcohol consumption with 4% and on long term
main focus is on reducing the death level and overall crime which takes place in the society
(Engels and et. al., 2009). However argued that there is a need for young generation to assess
their identity and how their cultural genesis influences on developing groups and subculture
where different type of distinctive elements which involves norms, values, lifestyle etc. These
groups along with subculture always develop negative aspects in the society.
However, Bot and etl. al., (2005) argued that drinking alcohol more than amount
suggested can directly damage person’s health and it is not only considered as the burden on
individuals but also drain on hospital resources and public money. Government of UK has
introduced large number of guidelines with the help of which it is possible to support individuals
so that they can change their drinking behavior (Sobell, 2013). Apart from this, around £448
million amount has been invested with the motive to improve lives of 120,000 trouble families in
the country and it is ensured that hospitals are having liaison nurses so that people with alcohol
related issues can be determined easily. The overall treatment provided for alcohol dependence
has been improved where drug and alcohol recovery program has been introduced for the benefit
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of society. According to Ajzen, (2011) measures have taken in the field of advertisement also
where promotion of alcohol to youngsters has been decreased and specific rules have been
introduced regarding same. Apart from this, government has taken strict actions in order to
reduce the availability of the cheap alcohol as their exist direct relationship when price of
Alcohol increases then its consumption declines and vice versa. Overall taxes along with duties
on Alcohol have raised and this has lead to rise in rate of Alcohol which are being purchased by
youngsters in heavy amount. On the other hand, government is quickly responding to the issues
which are arising due to excess alcohol consumption. Issues such as crime are increasing along
with health related such as liver disease in young adults (Gache and et. al., 2005). In country like
UK it has been identified that liver disease from the year 2001 to 2009 has risen by 25% and it
has been identified that cost of managing such disease would be around £1 billion per year by
2015. Therefore, the overall investment in treatment of disease linked with alcohol is quite high
and it is required for government to take corrective actions for improving health conditions.
Consequences of excessive drinking
As per view of Bell and et. al., (2006) the short along with long term consequences that
arise from consuming alcohol are astonishing. Consumption of alcohol on regular basis leads to
adverse outcomes where 1900 of the 5000 deaths involve motor vehicle crashes, 1600 leads to
homicides and 300 leads to suicide. Further, it sometime leads to rise in the risk of physical and
sexual assault, can cause physical outcomes also such as death etc. In short excessive
consumption is injurious to health where it is the responsibility of individual to apply own efforts
so that body may not be affected (Miller and et. al., 2007). High doses of alcohol have been
found to delay puberty in female along with male. It can also lead to slow bone growth and leads
to liver disorder also. Apart from this, risky behavior is also adverse consequences of excessive
alcohol consumption. Drink and drive cases are also increasing in country like UK and it is also
one of the unfavorable consequences of alcohol consumption.
Further, it is well known fact that age between 18 to 25 is regarded as the time of change
where preferences along with other type of requirement of individual changes. The highest
prevalence of issue linked with drinking takes place among adults. According to Bouchery and
et. al., (2011) overall consequences of excessive drinking are adverse where it is required for
individual to prevent from consuming alcohol in large amount. It can cause serious injury such as
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fighting, drug overdose, self harm or suicide which is totally unfavorable for individual. Further,
it has been analyzed that misuse of alcohol can be associated with the misuse of other drugs.
Consumption of alcohol with other type of drugs can directly influence nervous system of
individual and can be risky. It can also lead to person’s along with heart rate to decline to
dangerous level. Excessive consumption of alcohol can have adverse impact on health of
individual and damages liver (Sobell, 2013). In short person has to face lot of health related
issues in near future in case when corrective actions are not taken to avoid alcohol consumption
in excess. In country like UK alcohol consumption has taken life of large number of individuals
and it can be in the form of suicide, liver damage, rash driving etc and therefore, due to this
reason such kind of situations have to be avoided.
Effective measures to prevent alcohol addiction
As per view of World Health Organization, (2007) different ways are present with the
help of which it is possible for youngsters to prevent alcohol addiction. One of the most
effective ways is to connect with parents and friends as they can provide right guidelines to
individual and can assist to reduce the level of alcohol consumption. Further, the opportunity to
provide advantage to any individual from someone’s life experience is also effective. Avoiding
temptation is also regarded as one of the most effective method where individual can avoid
situations which may be tempted to drink (Nilsen and et. al., 2006.). It is necessary to identify the
times where consumption is high and such type of condition can be avoided by individual for
personal benefit. Reward progress is also regarded as one of the most effective way through
which it is possible to prevent alcohol addiction. It is not easy for any individual to change
lifestyle but by rewarding oneself it is possible to do the same. Further, by keeping track on the
progress and keeping motivation level high consumption of alcohol can be reduced easily.
According to Popova and et. al., 2007 it totally depends on every individual the range of
techniques adopted for preventing alcohol addiction as sometime person may not have control on
oneself. Following the family rules regarding alcohol can be beneficial for individual in every
possible manner. It is well known fact that when any person grows then it is necessary to have
trust and respect towards parents and taking advice from them is beneficial. Proper interaction
with family members and other colleagues can support youngsters in preventing alcohol
addiction (Engels and et. al., 2009). Obtaining proper information regarding alcohol and drugs is
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also one of the most appropriate way through which it is possible for individual to reduce level
of alcohol consumption (Casswell and Thamarangsi, 2009). Moreover, it is necessary that
youngsters may have proper information regarding side effects of excessive alcohol consumption
and by gaining knowledge regarding the same consumption level can be reduced. Ability to take
decisions regarding consuming alcohol can involve getting educated and applying the same
practically.
As per view of UKATT Research Team, (2005) individual can develop plans at personal
level especially for the conditions which leads to consumption of alcohol. Apart from this in the
present era many inventions have been done in the field of medical science with the help of
which individual can prevent alcohol consumption up to extent. Individual can also try to indulge
oneself into activities which can assist in avoiding drinking. Further, it is well known fact that
when any person perform activities which are favorable then it leads to decline in consumption
level of beverages such as alcohol. Spending time with individuals who avoid drinking is also
one of the most effective techniques and this will support in preventing the presence of alcohol
every time which is beneficial for person.
Doing exercise on continuous basis can also be appropriate way to deal with the adverse
situation of alcohol consumption. In case if person is indulged into activities of doing exercise on
regular basis this issue can be tackled easily. As per view of Haerens and et. al., (2008) keeping
track on alcohol consumption can also support individual in preventing alcohol addiction. Person
can carry drink tracker card and this can support in knowing how much consumption is taking
place in a month. Reviewing the drinking progress timely can support individual to deal with this
adverse situation. Apart from this, noticing situations which leads to excess consumption of
alcohol can also be beneficial and by avoiding the same problem ling with rise in consumption
level can be avoided easily (Stueve and O'Donnell, 2005). Therefore, in this way these are some
of the most effective ways through which it is possible to prevent alcohol addiction.
Pilot survey testing
For conducting the present study pilot survey testing has been carried out with the help of
which questionnaire prepared has been tested through support of respondents who have been
selected for the present research. All the questions developed are understandable by respondents
and they are able to respond on the basis of same. Apart from this, respondents are able to
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understand the main motive of the present study which has enhanced the reliability of the entire
research.
Questionnaire
Remember respondents (Students of London) have the right to decline participating in research
and can stop participation at any time
Gender
 Male
 Female
1. How often do you consume drink containing alcohol?
 Never
 Once a month
 2.-3 time in a month
 3 to 5 time in a month
 More than 10 times
2. How many units of alcohol do you consume on a regular day when you drink?
 1 -2 drinks
 3-5 drinks
 6 to 7 drinks
 7-10 drinks
 More than 10 drnks
3. Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?
 Yes
 No
4. According to you, what are the consequences of excessive drinking?
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 Mental and behavioural disorders
 Harmful for brain development
 Causes of accident and deaths
 Drinking increases aggressiveness
5. What are major health consequences of alcohol abuse/misuse?
 Diseases of chronic pancreatitis
 Chronic hepatitis
 Fibrosis and cirrhosis of liver
 Intentional self-poisoning and liver diseases
 Mental and behavioral disorders
6. Have you felt any of Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Addiction?
 Thick or incoherent speech
 Poor balance and clumsiness
 Delayed reflexes
 Loss of consciousness or blacking-out
 Stomach pains
 Redness of the face after periods of consumption
7. According to you, what strategy of government does influence young people to get rid of
drinking?
 Maintaining high tax on alcohol unit
 Forbidden selling alcohol to under 18’s
 Deciding age of alcohol consumption
 Health promotion campaign
 Ban alcohol sponsorship for sport and cultural activities
Thank you for participating …...........
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Interview questions
1. Do you consume alcohol daily?
2. How many times you consume alcohol?
3. Has a relative or friend or a doctor make you concerned about your drinking or suggested
you cut down?
 Yes
 No
4. How often you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?
 Never
 Once
 For many times
5. What is your personal perception about alcohol consumption?
6. In what manner do you think alcohol consumption is bad for your health
7. What are your preferred ways to get rid of drinking
8. Do you find yourself unable to stop drinking?
 Yes
 No
9. Do you think, effects of alcohol in women are more harmful than from men?
 Yes
 No
10. What age you consider appropriate for consume alcohol?
 16 years
 17-20 years
 More than 20
11. Do you think, government strategies are enough to influence in stopping alcohol
consumption among young people?
 Yes
 No
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12. Do you want to quit drinking?
 Yes
 No
Statistical analysis Questions
1. Kindly rate the factors influencing drinking behaviours of London students on 5 points likert
scale
Strongly
Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Family habits
Friends and social attitudes regarding
alcohol drinking
Surrounding
Alcohol consumption is considered as
a status symbol
Alcohol helps in sleep better
Consumption of alcohol allows to get
rid of physical pain
Environment of Workplace
Alcohol makes a person more
interesting
2. Complex needs of young age influence alcohol consumption among young people
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Strongly
Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Personal identity
Social validation
Need of belonging to different groups,
Acceptance
Peer group pressures
Data analysis
Quantitative analysis
Demographics of respondents
Basis Number of respondents
Male 13
Female 7
The table above represents the gender demographic of respondents of the present
investigation. The respondents are aged between 18-24 years attending the City College located
in London. There were total 20 students who have taken part in the investigation among them 13
respondents were male. The rest of 7 respondents were female, however, the findings represent
that most of male respondents have taken part in the study.
Frequency of alcohol consumption
Basis Number of respondents
Never 0
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Once a month 4
2-3 time in a month 9
3 to 5 time in a month 5
More than 10 times 2
Through the questionnaire used in the survey, the respondents were asked about their
frequency to consume alcohol. The total respondents of the survey are 20 students of City
College located in London. In the questionnaire, the respondents were given option to select their
frequency of consuming alcohol. In the primary investigation, most of the respondents have said
that they drink around 2-3 times in a month. On the other hand, 5 students out of twenty consume
alcohol 3 to 5 times in a month. There was no such student who had not consumed alcohol in his/
her life. This indicates a trend of drinking among young people within United Kingdom.
Further, from the respondents view point, it was assessed that 4 among 20 students are
involved in drinking alcohol once in a month. However, there were only 2 respondents who
consume alcohol more than 10 times in another. This number denotes a trend of excessive
consumption of alcohol. The number of excessive drinkers is only 10% of whole but it shows the
trends of alcohol consumption. The responses show that alcohol consumption has become a trend
in the UK society where young people are involved throughout in consuming alcohol. Hence,
most of the young students consume drink 2-3 time in a month.
Units of alcohol do you consume on a regular day when you drink
Basis Number of respondents 3
1 -2 drinks 8
3-5 drinks 5
6 to 7 drinks 1
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