Effects of alcohol and tobacco consumption on adolescent health. Social perspective

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical stage in which young people develop habits that can last into adult life. During this period, alcohol and tobacco consumption becomes a risky behavior with both short- and long-term negative health consequences. Researchers from various disciplines analyzed the causes and effects of these addictions, underscoring the need to improve prevention actions. The main objective was to analyze recent studies that showed how alcohol and tobacco use affected the risk of chronic diseases in different populations, especially adolescents. It was found that the consumption of these substances not only affects individual health, but also impacts social and family dynamics, since the normalization of peer use could perpetuate these behaviors. Social pressure plays a crucial role, leading adolescents to adopt harmful habits as part of their social identity. A high correlation was observed between the consumption of these substances and other risky behaviors. The importance of designing specific intervention programs for adolescents was highlighted, as well as the need for health education to help them resist social pressure. The World Health Organization highlighted that the harmful consumption of alcohol caused millions of deaths annually and that it was essential to implement effective strategies to reduce these risks. In conclusion, addressing alcohol and tobacco use in adolescents required a comprehensive approach that included prevention, education, and appropriate treatment.