Why are we drinking so much!? Do the young English drink too much?
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Drink, Drank, Drunk!
The binge drinking culture of the UK seems to have hit all time high levels. Every week, it is almost a requirement that workers across the country get dressed up and then get so drunk that they can't even remember the night out.
The damage that this is causing is getting crazy and yet no-one seems to be stopping it. People are hurting themselves through drunken accidents, drinking themselves into hospital and the long term medical affects of alcohol are costing the country a fortune. The medical care required to take care of these people is bumping up taxes, costing countless amounts of money each year, which has to come back in the form of taxation.
However, it doesn't end there. It seems that respect for others and property has completely collapsed, only the freedom to 'do whatever the hell you want' seems to be prevailing. Discipline has been lost, peoples' property is being destroyed by drunken vandals and there is very little respect for life or the elderly.
The acts during these nights out seem a constant contest to be the craziest, the loudest or the toughest. It sickens me when I read of fathers and mothers being randomly beaten to death (or crippled) so that some intoxicated high-school kids (or young adults) can prove themselves or upload the humiliating videos to YouTube. Yet, still no one seems to stop it from happening or make a conscious effort to adjust this behavior. In fact, it seems like authorities are more concerned with stopping all approaches to discipline than steering the country in a more positive direction.
So, why is a society once renowned for 'English Gentlemen' turning into a society of drinkers?
Proud, Content and Modest People ... Where have you all gone?
Unfortunately the days of the English gentleman are almost gone ... especially with younger generations. In fact, in many tourist destinations around the globe, the British (Sorry UK citizens) are famous for obscene drunken acts, violence, damage and basically being a royal pain in the rear end. I feel embarrassed to be British and living abroad, as I get judged by the actions of tourists.
It seems that most of our population is no longer content with anything. Everyone seems to always be aiming higher, wanting more things and chasing more money. There no longer seems to be enough money to live comfortably, but even then the feeling of contentment for covering your costs and living a nice lifestyle doesn't seem to be enough for most either. We are all aiming for something higher, but it is my belief that getting there would only lead to wanting more and aiming even higher, as the media eggs us on to buy more and more. I'm not saying that ambition is a bad thing, but surely the country also needs people to be content and happy with a normal life.
It is my feeling that this has been brought about by consumerism and too much control on disciplinary actions. We are constantly being told that we could have more and that we should have more. We seem to base our worth on what we own and the money we have, rather than the family we have and our experiences/lifestyle. Hence, the many who have little start to feel bad about themselves and find other ways to 'prove themselves'. Very few of the newer generations seem to ever be proud of themselves, content with their lives, or modest about their achievements. The modesty seems to have faded as everyone tries to be better than the others. The competition results in frustration and stress, particularly as many grow up believing that they deserve more.
This, in my opinion, then rolls into binge drinking and fights. The people who don't have what they want or enough money are frustrated, stressed and possibly angry. The people who have lots of money seem to be fighting to keep it and to get more of it. Then the weekend arrives and people feel like they need to let off steam, they meet friends and drink away the stresses. Unfortunately the alcohol tends to open doors to feelings of worthlessness, discontent, frustration and anger ... mainly from the stresses of survival and competition in the workplace. These emotions then roll into the increasing violence we are seeing.
This is then combined with a country that has a legal system that seems afraid to upset anyone. Laws do not protect the citizens of the country, in fact they often protect immigrants (illegal or otherwise) and criminals more than the people born in the country. This should surely at the very least be equal in rights and treatment of all, not the people who were born in the country having less rights and support than somebody who has just arrived, or the criminal having more rights than the victim.
Newer generations need to be taught about taking pride in a job and themselves, whatever they are and whatever they are doing. They need to feel proud of their achievements and work to get past their failures, as a failures are only failures when the person actually gives up. There is a strong need to restore a community feeling, rather than encouraging a country of fear, violence and unrest. To do this, the citizens need a government that supports them, helps to protect their jobs and encourages them to grow as a country. I am not being racist when I say this. By citizens, I mean everyone born in the country. Most countries in the world seem to protect their own citizens and employment sectors before allowing others to come in and work. Then they only let in skilled workers and a very limited number of those seeking asylum. The lack of employment is another contributor sending many to the bottle.
With all this going on, is it surprising the UK has turned to the bottle?
Well, that's my rant over lol, what are your feelings? Do you agree?
What could be done to reduce drinking? Could the violence be solved via increased social interaction, employment, responsibility, rights and achievements? Or is the sheer cost of living driving everyone insane?
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Alcoholism is a genetic problem for one thing, but youths here in the states seem to suffer from more boredom of late than used to be the case. I think it is partly due to lowered expectations. Yes, teens are kept running to extracurricular events continually it would seem, but the expectation for them to learn to do something well and be useful seems to be missing these days. Few parents here seem to have time for their children. They seem to think 'society' should bring them up once they're here. The urge for conformity that I've written about recently contributes to the problem too.
There really is no simple answer. Lots of modern changes seem to contribute to people generally having low self-esteem, and coupled with a genetic propensity for alcoholism or drugs, or simply a bad attitude, problems result.
Thank you for SHARING!
We are having the same problems in the USA. Although a bad economy can be lead people to depression and medicating their problems, I see it as a societal problem because it's so accepted to drink. This is happening everywhere! Great hub and I wish there was an easy answer to fix it.
Jamaica has always seen the British as their drinking equals. The problem is everywhere. The worst the economy gets, the more people drink. Europe is the biggest importer of Jamaican rum.
This is a great hub that has touched on a lot of issues people hold different opinions on. I think just like anything else we can turn away from what's most important in our life in order to escape. Important subject here.
The UK is not the only one with this problem. When I was in Spain a few years back, I was so embarrassed to be with my drunken classmates, I let them go ahead by about a block so I wouldn't have to be seen with them. I'm all for a glass of wine, but going overboard is way too much. People don't realize they can actually die from binging too much. I dunno. It's a world-wide problem, though. Voted up and SHARING.
Wow, this really seems to have inspired quite a debate in the comments lol. Thank you all for taking the time to put your point across.
I do not think that all power drinkers are alcoholics and don't believe that I said that in the article. However, there does seem to be almost a 'need' to drink Friday and Saturday. This seems to be from underlying issues, as mentioned in the article. To me people appear less satisfied with their lives nowadays, but eh, that's just my assessment and I am not a professional on the subject.
I am pleased that you all took the time to debate this though, which was the original idea ... to get people thinking about the issue and WHY it is happening.
Insightful article. The past few years, I have noticed a huge pick-up among my peers in America as well, and never took the time to ponder the "why". I agree with your points, and I hope that you continue to speak up about your observations because, even if people don't agree, it raises awareness to the issue of alcohol abuse, malcontent, over-inflated egos and greed; which plague our generation.
In my particular social circle, most of us are fairly established, educated folks, and it seems to me that sometimes we over-use alcohol because we rationalize that we're in control - because we're not doing drugs - or anything illegal ie: At least we're being responsible. But (not to sound too much like a prohibitionist) alcohol really is still a drug, and we should all, like you say, be more self-aware and behave more respectfully.
Brett, it will probably surprise you to know that in the last decade or so the level of drinking has actually gone DOWN in England - Scotland is static so Scots now drink more than the English. Even in Scotland not all young people are running rampant every weekend. My nieces in their late teens/early twenties are far more responsible than most students of my generation were.
I do agree though that fear unrest and violence do not foster self-esteem and happiness, and that drunkenness in general is indicative of underlying issues that need to be addressed. Yes these are aspects of British society, but there are certainly not all of it. During the riots last summer there was a massive Facebook campaign for peace, and the Charity Truce 20/20 are working with many young people to build bridges between communities. I have written about this on my hub on Peace Direct, and here’s a link to a video that tells about their work.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuV8wQt4mh4&feature
I also agree that believing we should be able to have it all and trying to prove yourself worthy in a materialistic or career-orientated way is not a recipe for happiness but the opposite. Happiness only comes when we feel good enough as we are. However while governments might be able to curb some drinking, and charities like Truce 20/20 do amazing work to heal communities, it is also up to each of us individually to face and heal whatever drives us to the bottle. (BTW I don’t drink and haven’t done for many years.)
Interesting hub, thanks for sharing your thoughts and provoking a discussion.
Normally there are underlying issues, financially, emotionally, physically. There are also addictive personalities. People consume alcohol because society steers it in that direction. I found the hub to be interesting and you wrote it from your perception. Thumbs Up!
@ Ray, There are people who are Power drinkers that are alcoholics, my natural father was on of them. And yes they do become alcoholics. There are those who accept that they are an alcoholic and others who sit in denial. He is also deceased. Drinking consistently can become an addiction and many people can't go without the taste or desire to have it.
I find it interesting that you're blaming alcoholism on people drinking? It's absurd. If people want to drink and don't want to remember the day before, then it would be best to address the underlying issue before you attach alcoholism to it as the problem. Most people who are power drinkers are not alcoholics and don't suffer from alcoholism.
@Chelseacharleston, your comment is OUT of place. Assuming you know why people drink in the first place and/or attributing it to a disease is ridiculous. Not to mention, absurd.
I think alcoholism is a problem all over, although I will admit I didn't see the extent of it in the UK because obviously that probably isn't going to make national news. I do however think drinking goes on the rise when the economy plummets to lower levels. It could be depression and coping mechanisms, which if you think about it, doesn't really make much sense. If you have no money let's spend it on alchohol. Great hub and thanks for sharing!
If it makes you feel any better, as others have pointed out, the UK is not alone in this problem. You make good points about how the stress of "obtaining" is part of what drives people to the bottle (and yet think how much money they'd save if they stopped drinking, or at least cut back to rational levels!). While I do not condemn anyone for social drinking (i.e., a glass of wine or one beer--nothing in excess), I've chosen to abstain simply on account of not wanting to waste the money or memories. Also, frankly, it tastes bad! :-) Voted up, awesome, interesting, and useful. Thanks for sharing!
I agree, this problem is out of control, but the governments seem to be doing very little about it. I guess all that tax income is just too hard to let go of, but eventually (20-30 years) it will have a huge impact on the medical systems!
I'm a little worried about the drinking culture of the UK after watching some doucumentiares about people drinking there. It was horrible, becuause people in all ages were drinking huge amounts of alcohol. Among the drinkers there were 13 year old girls and 65 year old grandmothers. It's crazy and it's going to be a big issue taking care of all the alcohol addicts in the future. Thanks for SHARING!
This is an excellent hub. I wish I had an excellent answer! In my small part of the world, in Southern Oklahoma, I actually see some improvement. Our drinking and driving laws have done some good. I hear many more people saying they don't drink as much as they can't run the risk of being arrested. Our laws have become much more strick. I hope the situation improves world wide as it obviously is a huge problem. Thank you for SHARING this information. Voted up and interesting. :)
Thank you all for your comments. I'm somehow not surprised to hear that it is a worldwide issue, I just hope it hasn't hit UK problematic levels all over!
It never ceases to amaze me how letting this addiction take control creates financial problems but the problems are never contributed to the amount of alcohol that is bought just to get through the day.
There is lots of drinking going on here and it's not from the economy it has always been this way. You don't know how many times I have heard young people say they are going to get falling down drunk. I have always wondered why. They can't remember anything what fun is that. I have to take it back not just young people grown-ups who know better. When you drink out of hand you can't blame anyone but yourself. Girls or guys don't look so great when they pee their pants or vomit all over the place. They get out on the road and kill someone or themselves. When their drunk their not going to give you their keys.
Voted up and everything else!
What a fascinating Hub! I didn't know drinking was such a huge problem in Europe. I don't drink, and I won't be in the company of sloppy drunks and alcoholics. Let's just say I learned the hard way.
This is a big problem in Australia as well . So many drink & drive as well as loads being killed on the roads because of drinking . They think it is cool to be drunk & not remember anything .
This is such a serious issue in Britain that the police have 'drunk wagons' picking younger people off the streets.
SHARING
Oh yes, very sad. People need to relax and stop being so frivolous in their actions. It's one thing to party it's another thing to be completely ignorant.
I have a sad story as well; in a different way... Guy got pulled over in Michigan for sparks coming off the back of his vehicle and he pulled into a driveway; when the cop went up to the vehicle the man brandished a handgun at the officer - the officer drew his gun and fired. At this point the cop took refuge as the man went for an assault rifle he had been concealing in the car. The cop fired again and killed the man; what else could he do? The assailant was wanted in Kalamazoo County, MI for failing to appear in court on a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon. What a shame; people are so deluded. It seems these days that either you get the big picture; you don't; or you're just completely oblivious. Those who don't get the big picture end up acting irrational and those who are oblivious just wander through life aimlessly trying to subsist with some dignity. It's sad what manifests when these subgroups clash out of malice.
Speaking of....unfortunately I have a sad story to relate that coincidentally was in the Atlanta GA news just today. A 22 year old college girl, out partying and driving drunk hit and killed a female police officer who had a daughter the same age. The young lady is being held with bond denied. Sad for both families.
I've never been to Europe but I would say there's alot of drinking going on in the USA too. There is so much unrest with the state of the economy, unemployment and the housing market. Getting hammered is probably a good way to forget your worries for a little while but is such a risky type of escape and can cause much more difficulty with frequecy and addiction. When some people drink it only amplifies their troubles and they get destructive and mean as you spoke of in your hub.I like to drink wine, but I don't like to get drunk because I don't want to embarass myself and I like to remember the evening. Not to say it hasn't happened, but it is not the norm. lol. Awareness, education and community support, creation of diversions...other activities. There are answers but those afflicted must want to seek them. I worked in residential rehab for awhile. It is not an easy or often successful road. Thanks for sharing this hub. Voted up.
Bandaids come in all shapes and sizes, my friend.
I'm American and I try to only drink on Fridays and Saturdays, except for special occasions. I also, primarily due to our financial situation, grab a case of craft brew and drink at home. I also try not to get too out of hand, but that has been the case on occasion! It definitely has a lot to do with the economy and with stress... by the end of the week, I just want to relax and chill with an ice, cold brew. And it isn't always about getting a buzz - I love the taste of many microbrews and always enjoy trying new ones.
Interesting coverage of a UK phenomenon, but you'll see this in the U.S. as well. Voting this Up and Interesting. Thanks for SHARING.
Hello Brett, SHARING back!
I am from Puerto Rico... and we DRINK! Social issues like these could also be viewed according to economic or educational status across the different countries.
That is, when I say "we drink" I am not referring to the whole Puerto Rican population but to that sector that does drink. Does that do drink do not kid around.
Me included. Voted up and interesting!
Hi Thejeffriestube,
Thanks for reading. I too used to go out and get drunk at the weekends, but got tired of everyone always wanted to get smashed out of their brains drunk. Now I'm over in Asia, although people drink, it is a lot more relaxed and social. There is no expectation or pressure to get drunk ... I think it is a much better style, but know that it wouldn't suit everyone.
Hey Molometer,
No idea where it came from, except for the suggestions above. It is strange how the country has changed in the last 20 years. Now it is in need of another drastic change, otherwise the UK system actually stands a chance of imploding (the costs of maintaining this lifestyle are too high, something has to give)
I get drunk with the best of them, the Navy taught me that, unfortunately. My rule is no drinking from Sunday night to Friday. Friday and Saturday night, there's a very good chance you get to see some drunk Hubbing. :-)
Hi Brett how are you doing, great hub by the way. Where did all this come from the country has gone booze nuts.
It really is a joke in the UK and the way they carry on abroad on holiday is just embarrassing.
Well written hub voted up interesting and useful information. See you over the other place sometime. I have been doing a bit.
Hi Snurre,
Yes, unfortunately you are bang on about the UK culture. It is a shame we have changed in this way. Many countries have the problem of alcohol. However, I think it is more about how it is consumed. In Thailand for example, people will often meet for a drink, but it is slow and relaxed and with food. This normally doesn't result in everyone being blind drunk and must be healthier.
Brett, this is a fascinating hub. I'm an American and if I didn't know, I would have believed you were talking about the States. It's always been out of hand here. In fact if you don't drink people assume you are either a recovering alcoholic or a Mormon. I hate to see that Britain has adopted this culture.
Hi Chelseacharleston,
Thanks for stopping by. To be honest, when I lived in the UK, I though that it was normal too. But when I moved abroad, I saw everyone (OK, most) were far more relaxed about having a drink. The UK has lost a lot of its respect and image of hard workers and gentlemen ... which in my mind is very unfortunate.
Brett, this is great hub. When I first travelled to the West (as we call Europe and the States in Russia), I was shocked by the amount of alcohol Europeans consume. They seem to drink every day, which is considered alcoholism here in Russia. Funnily enough, it's Russia that has huge problems with alcohol, not the UK. However, here it's not in the country's culture to have alcohol with your dinner, every day.
I don't know what drives people to alcohol, but I don't think it's lack of employment. I think it's boredom and consumerism. Today too many people don't think of working hard - they are thinking of having fun. When I'm in the UK, I can't believe how irresponsible and non-hard-working people are. Nobody is ever at their office, everybody is forever having time off, they only work 9-5, whereas in Russia it's 9-6 (although everybody works longer hours). So it's no wonder UK's economy is in such a state. Anyway, I totally agree with you that the whole country needs to re-evaluate things, recreate communities, and learn to be a hard-working country, like it once was.
It's a great frikkin question! Americans do the same thing. I attribute it to a lack of self awareness, but try telling them that LOL.
tillsontitan Level 7 Commenter 2 months ago
Escapism. No one wants to face the reality they have to deal with ..adults, teenagers, politicians, and the list goes on. Drinking and partying are one thing, fall down drunk and alcoholism are another. I think society in general is facing this problem no matter what country you're in - drinking to forget. The worse things get the more drinking goes on. God help us all!