THE USE OF ALCOHOL BY YOUNG PEOPLE AND EFFECT OF CULTURAL STRUCTURE ON ADDICTION
Keywords:
alcohol use, alcohol addiction, effect of cultural structureAbstract
This study, conducted in a small urban area, examined teenagers' alcohol use and their actions and thoughts about addiction. The effect of culture on addiction risk is discussed. The study population consists of teenagers aged 15-18 who drink alcohol and live in a small town. The teenage years stand out as a critical period in terms of alcohol use and risky behavior. This is a period in which the individual feels empowered to change social conditions and can easily exhibit deviant behavior. The reason this age group was chosen is that statistically, it is the age group whose rates of alcohol and substance use are increasing the most. The reason for choosing the city is that, according to a study of the frequency of risk factors in Bulgaria, this city is located in the area where the use of alcohol is very common. This paper is composed of qualitative research and 32 men 10 women total 42 participants. Semi-structured interview forms were prepared and in-depth interviews were conducted, which were recorded on a tape recorder. According to the study data, almost half of the male participants reached the risky limit of alcohol consumption during the summer when this study was conducted. Among the areas where alcohol consumption is increasing due to more free time, side income as workers, increasing social connections, variety of places where alcohol is consumed, time of weddings and parties. Reasons for alcohol use are listed as fun, happiness, getting high, relaxing, passing the time, and relieving boredom. As alcohol use became part of the culture, some participants indicated that they did not need a reason to drink alcohol.
Addiction is one of the leading problems that has both personal and social dimensions. As mentioned in this study, the influence of environmental factors on addiction is significant. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that addiction requires a holistic approach and practices that focus on understanding the individual in his/her environment.
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