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The Epidemiology Behind Different Addictions

Author: Ruoxi Lin

Editors: Ethan Tai, Jaylen Peng

Artist: Helen Gong


Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and factors behind health trends in different populations. When people hear the word “epidemiology,” they often associate it with disease control and prevention. However, epidemiology can also be used to examine the prevalence of substance use disorders, such as alcohol or tobacco addiction, across different countries. What contributes to high rates of alcohol or nicotine dependence in different countries? How effective are current health policies in preventing widespread misuse among young adults, who are often at high risk of developing substance use disorders? By examining the epidemiology behind different addictions affecting young people today, we can identify risk factors for certain populations, brainstorm prevention strategies, and evaluate the effectiveness of current health policies.

Alcohol dependence varies from country to country and is often influenced by factors such as government policies, economic availability, and cultural norms, with the group most at risk being teenagers and young adults. Whether it’s shots on a college campus or drinks on a night out with friends, one thing is certain—the alarming rise of binge drinking amongst youth correlates with an increase in drunk driving-related vehicle accidents, unsafe sex, and various other safety risks.  Though statistics vary, Hungary (30.1 grams), Russia (39.2 grams), and Romani(48.1 grams) are usually listed as contenders for the highest alcohol consumption rates. According to the World Health Organization, data shows that alcohol consumption by gram of pure alcohol for both sexes is 30.1 in Hungary, 39.2 in Russia, and 48.1 grams in Romania in 2020.

Romanian young adults (ages of 18 and 24) pay the most for alcohol and engage in heavy episodic drinking–consuming large quantities of alcohol in short periods of time. Binge drinking among Romanian youth exceeds European averages, contributing to alcohol-related deaths in 20.1% of 15 to 19-year-olds and 25.5% of 20 to 24-year-olds. This high prevalence may be a result of lax alcohol regulations. A 2009 experiment done in 58 alcohol-selling locations in Pitesti, Romania, found a 0% compliance rate with underage alcohol sales laws—all 58 purchase attempts done by minors in these locations were successful. A 2010 study further revealed 40 different alcohol outlets within a 250-meter distance around 20 schools in Pitesi, indicating widespread availability. Prevention strategies that could be employed are tighter regulations for alcohol sales and strict ID verification policies to lessen youth alcohol consumption and its consequences. Prevalent alcohol use at a young age not only impacts physical health but also increases the risk of impaired cognitive development, long-term substance abuse, and risky behaviors.

In the Philippines, another addiction is on the rise among young adults and teenagers—vaping. Vaping is the act of using E-cigarettes to inhale aerosol containing nicotine, metals, and other chemicals. It has become a popular, flavor-filled alternative to traditional cigarettes, appealing to younger audiences thanks to social media marketing. This appeal is heightened by misconceptions about vaping and its health risks. A 2019-2021 survey with a sample size of 887 done by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control approximates that 14% of Filipino youth and 2% of adults use e-cigarettes. Alarmingly, 70% of youth believe that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, and many stated their intention to use vaping as a way to quit smoking. Despite this misguided belief that vaping can help people quit smoking cigarettes, research suggests that vaping can lead to continued nicotine addiction, which poses health risks such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and impaired fertility. Furthermore, it was found that 7 in 10 Filipino young adults who smoke or vape  participated in dual use–using cigarettes concurrently with e-cigarettes.

Currently, the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, instated in July 2022, prohibits vaping in most public places and prevents minors from buying or using e-cigarettes in the Philippines, signifying a step in the right direction. However, misinformation about e-cigarettes remains prevalent and should also be addressed for the interest of public health; a research study done in 2023 reports that false advertising of e-cigarettes as a “better” alternative to cigarettes may be a significant contributing factor in the number of Filipino youth who use them, and that there is a lack of research done on the health consequences of vaping in the Philippines. Investing in further study of these consequences and aligning school curricula to educate students at a younger age can help fight against the vaping epidemic.

While these are only two examples of countries facing addiction epidemics, there remain more that impact the health of other populations. Addressing these issues requires looking at the bigger picture, making connections from current research, investing in health education, and improving health policies. In this way, epidemiology is the crucial detective work we need to battle growing substance use epidemics.

 

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