Youth and alcohol

Abstract

As a result of the debate that has recently arisen in our country on the “youth and alcohol” phenomenon, this is a reflection on certain relevant aspects in order to make both an adequate diagnosis and to develop possible solutions. It discusses certain reductionisms that tend to limit the problem to a mere question of the safety of our inhabitants but also the tendency to restrict the answers exclusively to the health sphere. In view of this, it argues the need to have a basic legislation as an instrument of protection of the health of the inhabitants and specifically that of minors. In addition, attention is drawn to family and social permissiveness with regard to the consumption of alcohol and the low risk perception among the young in respect of this substance. It ends by emphasising the importance of continuing to work from an overall and a preventive perspective that takes into account the participation of all society.