1. CARIBBEAN STUDIES
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

2. PROBLEM STATEMENT
How has alcohol consumption affected teenagers in Trinidad over the last five years?

3. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
In this research project, I intend to investigate the effects of alcohol consumption among teenagers. I will focus my survey on the students of Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College but general assumptions about the whole of Trinidad will be made.

4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What are the factors influencing teenagers to consume alcohol?
How does alcohol consumption affect an individual’s academic performance?
How does alcohol consumption affect one’s behaviour and actions?
What are the physical effects of alcohol intake on an individual?
What feasible solutions can be applied to reduce the problem?

5. DELIMITATIONS
In this research project, an investigation is being conducted on the effects of alcohol consumption among teenagers. My research was limited to the vicinity of Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College with emphasis on the forms Four, Five and Six students. This location was chosen because obtaining information will be very opportune.

6. PURPOSE OF STUDY
This study was conducted to create an increase in the awareness of the negative impacts of alcohol consumption on teenagers and to prove how important it is that attention be levied on this topic especially in the Caribbean.

7. EDUCATIONAL VALUE
This Internal Assessment will be beneficial to future students and researchers since it may provide them with necessary information and statistics on the topic, which will be presented later on in the project.

8. BACKGROUND
Alcohol consumption existed from since in the days of Colonialism, Slavery and Indentureship. However, it was mainly adults who consumed alcohol. Presently, it is quite evident that there is an increase in alcohol consumption and it is teenagers who are consuming excessive amounts of alcohol as well as adults.
Teenagers are resorting to alcohol as a form of relieving stress and problems that they encounter during their lifetime and many other purposes. The consequences linked to this increase in alcohol consumption are becoming more detrimental each day, hence; individuals need to be educated on alcoholism.

9. DEFINITIONS
Alcohol - An intoxicating beverage that is produced by fermentation action of yeast on sugar and is an important ingredient in wine, having a bearing on its taste and quality.
Teenager - person between the age of 13 and 19, whoever age's end with "teen".

10. LITERATURE REVIEW
Over the years, consumption of alcohol among teenagers has become a growing concern in many parts of the world including the Caribbean. According to the site there are many reasons why individuals get addicted to alcohol. Addiction to alcohol lies beneath brain chemicals, personality and genetics. It is stated that alcohol triggers the release of dopamine (a chemical that produces feelings of satisfaction) it also increases the production of the brain’s natural painkiller endorphin which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave.
Not only chemicals cause an addiction but also genes play an important role in addiction to alcohol. It was discovered that someone whose parents had a problem with alcohol have a greater chance of having a problem himself as compared to someone whose parents did not have a problem.

11. LITERATURE REVIEW
With reference to the website a number of factors relating to the reasons why teenagers consume alcohol were discussed. The first being peer pressure where it was seen that the desire to fit in and be accepted by a group or friends played an important role in influencing teenagers to drink alcohol.
Another factor discussed was family where it is important for parents to communicate and be role models to their children as teenagers would be affected by their family’s actions. Media messages was another influential factor as they make the consuming of alcohol seem attractive, exciting and fun hence, making teenagers want to try it. Stress, depression and performance in academics were other related factors, which influenced teenagers to consume alcohol.

12. LITERATURE REVIEW
On the 1st December, 2008 an article published in the Trinidad’s express revealed that alcoholism causes progressive brain shrinkage and disrupts communications between regions involved in storing and retrieving memories. This made it quite clear that alcohol can affect a student’s academic performance as well as affect their behviour and actions and even affect them physically. It was also explained further that an alcoholic could exhibit total loss of long-term memories.
If one is unable to remember how can one succeed at school? Studying requires a lot of brain activity and retaining your memory is important throughout one’s life. Alcohol also leads to vitamin B1 deficiencies, along with vitamin B12 deficiencies that can negatively affect memory. It also causes problems such as muscle weakness, depression, blurred vision, poison of liver and nerve damage.

13. LITERATURE REVIEW
According to an article from the Guardian, one possible solution was to visit the AA(Alcoholics Anonymous) to gain assistance in quitting alcohol as well as to be educated. Anne M. Fletcher (2002), she also recommended attendance to the AA however, she stated that this approach might not be helpful to all as for different people different approaches are needed.
Some require support, some can help themselves and others professional counseling. Abstinence as recommended by Stephen J. Gislason (2006) is another solution. Trying to cut back little by little and abstaining from alcohol may be a method of helping to reduce the problem.

14. LITERATURE REVIEW
It is very difficult to gather information based on the Caribbean region since existing research was done internationally and Caribbean research was less accessible. The research conducted assisted me in understanding the developing problem worldwide and slightly in the Caribbean.
However, to further my knowledge and understanding on the present day situation among youths in Trinidad, particularly at the Vishnu Boys Hindu College I will conduct a research using questionnaires. Suggestions will be made to reduce alcohol consumption among teenagers.

15. DATA COLLECTION METHODS
During the period of October to December 2008, primary data collection methods such as questionnaires and an interview as well as secondary data collection methods such as books, newspaper articles and the internet were employed to attain pertinent information necessary to perform the investigation into the effects of alcohol consumption among teenagers.
Questionnaires:
This questionnaire targeted the psychological and physical effects of alcohol on teenagers. A stratified system of sampling was utilized in selecting respondents for my research project. The sample survey comprised of Forms Four, Five and Six students of Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College and the students selected each received a questionnaire consisting of fixed questions as well as open-ended questions that allowed respondents the freedom to express their opinions.
Questionnaires provided the opportunity of accessing local statistical information rather than relying solely on international based information, they were easy to administer, it saved time and a large number of people were reached from my sampling unit. However, there were some drawbacks such as dishonesty of respondents and questionnaires not being returned nonetheless, these were moderated by the brevity of questions and anonymity.

16. DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Interview:
In addition, an interview was conducted with Mr. Jiwan Singh who is a member of the Alcoholics Anonymous. The interview was unstructured hence, allowing the interviewee to express his opinions freely and provide thorough and detailed answers. However, the interviewee was not prepared to answer some questions and at times drifted away from the topic.

17. INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
Based on the data previously analyzed and presented graphically the following interpretations were accomplished.
Figure 1, is a Pie Chart showing the number of respondents who consumed alcohol. An impressive 92% responded ‘Yes’ while the remaining 8% responded ‘No.’ It is quite evident from the responses that the percentage of teenagers who consume alcohol surpasses those who do not.

18. INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
My study also enquired how often respondents consumed alcohol. With reference to Figure 2, it was seen that 4% of the respondents who consume alcohol replied Daily, 52% Weekly and 36% Occasionally. From these results, it can be concluded that the majority of teenagers who consume alcohol did so on a weekly basis.

19. INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
The students were also asked to determine the influential factors of consuming alcohol. From the various options listed respondents were required to select any number of factors that influenced them to consume alcohol.
According to the responses, which were illustrated in Figure 3, 52% indicated Peer pressure, 28% were under the influence of Family members, 0% by Media messages, 8% because of Low self-esteem, 12% due to Poor academic performance, 12% because of Depression, 20% were experiencing Stress, and an additional 12% stated Other factors. From analyzing this data, it is clear that the most dominant influential factor is Peer pressure.

20. INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
As shown in Figure 4, respondents were questioned as to whether or not they tried or ever considered quitting alcohol. The Cone graph illustrated a response of 36% answering ‘Yes’ and 64% answering ‘No.’ Judging from the received responses it can be noted that majority of teenagers never tried or considered quitting alcohol.

21. INTERPRETATION
Another question posed to both alcoholics and non- alcoholics was if they were aware of the ways in which alcohol affects a person physically. With indication to Figure 5, the Pie Chart shows 68% of the population responding positively and the remaining 32% negatively.

22. INTERPRETATION
Figure 6, represented the question pertaining to the ways in which alcohol may affect the body. The Cylindrical bar chart illustrated 12% responding to Poisons the liver, 8% to Blurred vision, 0% to Muscle weakness, 80% to All of the above and 0% to None. Figures 5 and 6 specify that almost all teenagers are knowledgeable of how dangerous alcohol can be to their health.

23. INTERPRETATION
Respondents were also asked if they think alcohol affects a student’s academic performance. Referring to the Pie chart in Figure 7, 68% stated ‘Yes’ and 32% stated ‘No.’ This drew the conclusion that the bulk of the population believe that alcohol affects a student’s academic performance.

24. INTERPRETATION
Figure 8, discussed whether alcohol influences one’s actions and behavior. The Bar chart corresponded to the responses of 88% confirming ‘Yes’ and 12% to ‘No.’ This acknowledges that majority of the respondents believe that alcohol influences one’s actions and behavior.

25. INTERPRETATION
In addition, a question was asked to suggest possible solutions to reduce the consumption of alcohol among teenagers. As seen in Figure 9, the majority, 35% recommended Youth groups, 28% suggested educating teenagers, 25% agreed to Counseling or Rehab and 12% indicated other methods.

26. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
After analyzing the data collected from the questionnaires that were distributed to forms Four, Five and Six students at Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College, it was found that most of the results were similar to existing research mentioned in the literature review. In some cases, the results differed.

27. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
Both previous studies and the data obtained from the questionnaire proved that alcohol among teenagers is indeed becoming a significant problem.
According to the first research question, which was based on the factors that influenced teenagers to consume alcohol, it was evident that peer pressure played a major role in influencing teens to consume alcohol.
This is so since 52% according to the results obtained from the questionnaire, indicated this factor. Similarly, in the literature review it was mentioned that peer pressure has more influence over any other factors.

28. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
With reference to the second research question which enquires about whether alcohol affects a student’s academic performance. The majority of students, both alcoholics and non- alcoholics strongly agreed that alcohol does not affect a student’s academic performance. However, according to studies there was great emphasis on memory loss due to alcohol, which can lead to a student’s academic performance being affected.

29. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
In relation to the third research question, whether alcohol affects one’s behavior and actions an over powering 88% responded ‘Yes’ while the remaining 12% said the opposite. According to previous studies similar feedbacks, which were presented in the literature review, were shown in international based studies.

30. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
The fourth research question dealt with the physical effects of alcohol on the body. In the questionnaire a large amount of students, both alcoholics and non-alcoholics indicated their awareness of the physical effects of alcohol, as can be seen in figure 5. When asked to select some of the effects the majority chose all of the above, which included muscle weakness, blurred vision and poison the liver. These were similar to those mentioned in the literature review however, there were others listed.

31. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
Finally, referring to the last research question, some feasible solutions to reduce alcohol consumption among teenagers the following responses were obtained educating teenagers, counseling or rehab and youth groups.
According to the studies presented in the literature review the only similar views received was counseling and education. However, their form of educating is through the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) furthermore, it was suggested to try different solutions, as each individual is different.

32. CONCLUSION
From the data gathered during this investigation, it can be concluded that alcohol among teenagers is becoming a problem in today’s society. According to the research done, the main influential factors of consuming alcohol among teenagers included peer pressure, family members and stress.
This investigation also proved that drinking alcohol does in fact lead to brain shrinkage, memory loss, nerve damage, obesity and many other problems. These factors therefore, suggest that a student’s academic performance, actions and behavior are affected by alcohol.

33. CONCLUSION
Evidence found during this research indicated that alcohol is highly addictive due to the release of chemicals in the brain with the intake of alcohol and because of genetic reasons. A large quantity of alcoholics as well as non-alcoholics indicated that teenagers should join youth groups.

34. LIMITATIONS
During this investigation, a few problems were encountered. These limitations may have led to the collection of inaccurate information.
One of the main problems encountered was the collection of data by the use of questionnaires. Some respondents may have lied, misinterpreted the questions or returned it incomplete.
Another limitation was the lack of research on this topic in the Caribbean. This led to the use of internationally based research on similar topics.

35. RECOMMENDATIONS
Although the problem of alcohol among teenagers cannot be fully rectified, it can be reduced in many ways. The following are some feasible solutions:
One of the main ways is educating youths on the dangers of consuming alcohol. This can be done by giving lectures and use of the mass media.

36. RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents can play a major role in reducing this problem in many ways. Firstly, parents should see themselves as a role model therefore, they should not drink alcohol in the presence of their child. They should be alert of the individuals whom their children socialize with and speak to their children on the effects of alcohol.

37. RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents of teenage alcoholics should seek assistance for their children such as counseling or by enrolling them in organizations such as the AA, which was organized especially for that purpose.
Consumers should show their identification before purchasing alcohol since, this will allow only persons who are eighteen years and over to purchase alcohol. Strict laws should be enforced if anyone under age is caught consuming alcohol.
Finally, the price of alcohol should be raised as this may aid in curbing the frequent purchase of alcohol.

38. BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS: NEWSPAPER ARTICLES:
Anne M. Fletcher. (2002). Sober for Good: New Solutions For Drinking Problems. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Stephen J. Gislason MD. (2006). The Book Of Alcohol. Environmental Research Inc.
A.A. Members. (1976). Alcoholics Anonymous Third Edition. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES:
Lifestyle makes a difference with memory loss. (2008, December 1). Trinidad Express p.23
Dealing with alcoholism. (2008, December 8). Trinidad Guardian p.B1

39. BIBLIOGRAPHY INTERNET SOURCES:
Dan Brizel. (2007). Teens and Alcohol : In Bad Company.

40. APPENDICES

41. QUESTIONNAIRE Dear Fellow Students,
In order to effectively complete my Caribbean Studies Internal Assessment that is based on the consumption of alcohol amongst teenagers, I am required to conduct a survey. Therefore, I would kindly appreciate your assistance in completing this questionnaire by writing your response on the blank spaces provided or in other instances by placing a tick in the given boxes.
This survey is confidential and therefore, your name or any other personal information is not required. Thank you for your cooperation.
NEELA MOHAN

42. QUESTIONNAIRE 1. Age: 13-15  16-19  2. Do you consume alcohol?
 
2. Do you consume alcohol?
Yes  No 
3. If ‘Yes’ to question 2, how often do you consume alcohol?
 Everyday
 Weekly
 Occasionally
4. If ‘Yes’ to question 2, what factors influenced you to consume alcohol?
 Peer pressure
 Family members
 Stress
 Depression
 Media messages

43. QUESTIONNAIRE 5.Have you ever tried or considered quitting alcohol?
Yes  No 
6. What method/s have you used?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Are you aware of the ways in which alcohol affects a person physically?
Yes  No 

44. QUESTIONNAIRE Poisons the liver Blurred vision Muscle weakness
8. If ‘Yes’ to question 7, in what way do you think alcohol affects the body?
Poisons the liver Blurred vision Muscle weakness
all of the above None
9. Do you think that alcohol affects a student’s academic performance?
Yes  No 
10. If ‘Yes’ to question 9, state how.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

45. QUESTIONNAIRE Yes  No  12. If ‘yes’ to question 11, state how.
11. Do you think that alcohol influences ones actions and behaviour?
Yes  No 
12. If ‘yes’ to question 11, state how.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. What possible solutions would you suggest to reduce the consumption of alcohol among teenagers?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

46. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS What age did you begin to consume alcohol?
What were the factors that influenced you to consume alcohol?
How often did you consume alcohol?
Did this affect your academic performance?
Would you say that under the influence of alcohol there was a change in your actions and behaviour?

47. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Were you affected physically by the intake of alcohol?
What encouraged you to give up consuming alcohol?
How has the Alcohol Anonymous assisted in you in quitting the habit of drinking alcohol?
Approximately, how long did it take until you quit the consumption of alcohol?
Are there any suggestions or advice you would like to offer to teenagers who consume alcohol?