Role of Familial Stress and Socio-Economic Burden in Rising Levels of Alcoholism Among Indian Teenagers from Lower-Income Families

Abstract

This research seeks to explore the interaction between family and socio-economic stressors and adolescent alcoholism in India's lower-income families, probing into the complex interaction between economic instability, family stress, and substance use behaviors. It has been observed that there is a significant link between higher socio-economic status and increased alcohol use in adolescence. Poorer socio-economic conditions have often been a predictor of alcohol-related issues. Economic strain aggravates the conflict within parents according to family stress models, resulting in unfavourable behavioral outcomes in the child such as substance use. Adverse childhood experiences in relation to alcohol or neglect of parents can further lead to alcohol misuse by the adolescents. This study aims to assess the degree of familial and socio-economic burdens, the increase of alcoholism due to these causes, the attitudes of the adolescents toward alcohol use, and the role of personal/social support systems in reducing the problem. The data analysis is done through the SPSS tool. In the results, it is noted that financial instability, family conflict, and mental stress are the major reasons which make adolescents go for alcohol, usually as a coping mechanism. These behaviors lead to very grave psychological, behavioral, and social consequences. The findings have pointed out that personal and social support to such adolescents is inadequate and needs to be supplemented by the initiation of intervention programs as well as strengthened community-based efforts. The study gives scope for further research into the long- term effects of familial and socio-economic factors on adolescent alcohol use and the effectiveness of interventions undertaken. Future studies can be conducted on educational programs, awareness campaigns, and community support structures that reduce alcohol consumption and its adverse effects on adolescent health.