Almost four in ten Cavan teens (13) have drank alcohol

Healthy Ireland Cavan, in association with Alcohol Forum Ireland and the North-West Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force, is supporting a survey by MaCYSS in an effort to delay the onset age of drinking in adolescents.

MaCYSS is a specialised drug and alcohol service delivering clinical interventions and support to young people and families who are experiencing difficulties as a result of drug or alcohol use. It provides one-to-one support for young people from 12 to 18 years, and their families across Cavan and Monaghan. A range of education and resources on alcohol and other drug topics related to young people and their families are also provided.

Meanwhile, a recent survey on Co Cavan indicates that 38% of adolescents have drank alcohol at age 13 years or younger. Of those who did drink alcohol (77%), 55% were given alcohol by their parents. One in five (21%) reported being drunk in the last 30 days.

Nationally, 57% of adolescents had never drank alcohol, compared with 49% in 2012. Of those who did drink alcohol, they engaged in more problematic patterns of drinking that were significantly associated with more severe feelings of anxiety and depression.

Adolescents who reported having made a suicide attempt presented with significantly higher levels of problematic drinking and were also more likely to have smoked cannabis.

Some 15%-18% of males vs 13% of females reported that they had smoked cannabis. Of those who reported having smoked cannabis, 43% were 15 years or younger when they first tried it.

Research shows that the earlier young people are introduced to alcohol and drugs, the greater the risks. Those risks include: accidents & injuries, alcohol poisoning, anti-social behaviour, getting in trouble with gardaí, risky sexual behaviour, problems at school, problems with family/friends, anxiety and low mood, being photographed when drunk and consequences associated with images appearing on social-media, suicide & self-harm.