Presentation made by Andrew Bengry-Howell about research with young people on their views on alcohol.

1. As long as I know how I’m getting home then I’m fine” Young people’s understanding and management of the risks associated with social drinking and intoxication. Andrew Bengry-Howell Department of Psychology University of Bath

12. Moderate drinking “ Millions of us enjoy drinking alcohol with few, if any, ill effects. Indeed moderate drinking can bring some health benefits. But, increasingly, alcohol misuse by a small minority is causing two major, and largely distinct, problems: on the one hand crime and anti-social behaviour in town and city centres, and on the other harm to health as a result of binge- and chronic drinking.” Prime minister’s forward Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, 2004

15. For many people in England today, going out to get drunk has become a part of “a good night out” ‘ A significant minority of people who drink – many of whom will not consider that they have a ‘drink problem’ – are putting themselves and others at risk. These include those younger adults who are involved in the very visible displays of drunkenness and antisocial behaviour in city centres, which are widely reported in newspapers… Safe. Sensible. Social. (2006), P. 10.

16. A Young Person’s perspective

19. Our participants rarely constituted drinking as a physically harmful or risky practice LONG-TERM PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH RISKS ABSENT FROM YOUNG PEOPLE’S ACCOUNTS

20. Physical Effects HANGOVER

21. PHYSICAL EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH DRINKING TOO MUCH CONSTITUTED AS AN UNDESIRABLE, BUT SHORT-TERM CONSEQUENCE SICKNESS

26. Drinking can make you vulnerable

30. The role of the group

31. Security - Group v isolated individual Belonging – Collectivity/mutuality/bonding Care – Taking responsibility for others A site of security, belonging and care

35. Gendered forms of risk management

38. Summary

42. Intoxication facilitates & consolidates social bonds Functional approach to alcohol – means to intoxication Socialising associated with alcohol consumption and getting drunk Young people’s perspective

46. The end