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Intoxicants have forever been deeply engrained in culture all over the world. From caffeine to opiates, binging to social, the consummation of different substances has become the norm in many places. Should we be accustomed to this harmful habit? Or are we desensitised to the harm that they bring to the world?

Having a look at British society, there are a few problems that stand out. Amongst these, binge drinking stands clear. A report by the world health organization shows the UK ranking13th in 196 countries highest for heavy drinking – higher than Ukraine, Belarus and Hungary. 28 per cent of British people had an incident of heavy drinking in the previous month - almost double the global average. Yet one of the most unnerving things are seeing the age at which drinking for the sake of getting drunk is introduced into British lives, the average first time for being drunk as low as 14. A culture in which it is the norm, and even praised, to drink until passing out is not one that should be accepted. Yet, we continue, as pop culture praises the consummation of alcohol, bars promoting cheap drinks and the famous British pint of beer consumed by the dozen. Liver disease, and alcoholism plagues the older generation yet the youth are not deterred, downing their cheap vodka to get drunk faster.

Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t stop here. Whilst alcohol in its legal state can be consumed reliably and (arguably) responsibly, marijuana remains a large problem in its illegal nature. Whilst the prohibition of the 1920s was clearly to no avail, this same logic is not seemingly extended to marijuana, an intoxicant bearing similarities and differences to alcohol. Due to this, instead of controlled and educated use of this plant, dodgy street dealers take over. Any youth can easily access marijuana through this, yet the strains they receive are strong, and often mixed with glass, or other substances to increase selling. The simple legalization would mean age restriction, and quality product, in turn benefitting everyone. The taxation of marijuana could also benefit the economy – so why is this subject so taboo? 

Similar to the binge drinking problem is the re-emerging drug problem – party drugs of the late 20th century becoming more and more frequently and casually used within the youth. The normalization of drugs such as ecstasy, MDMA and even cocaine are leading to huge impacts on the physical and mental health of youth. Together with the binge drinking emerges a new type of party culture in which getting paralytic becomes the new drunk. Who knows where this will leave our generation in the future?

Yet, what is the answer to this problem? Complete legalisation with moderated selling? Complete ban with emerging black market? The answer remains tricky and unavoidable, moderation being a word not included in the vocabulary of many of the youth. Yet the problems are still yet to be addressed individually, before large action can be taken – when will they be properly discussed?