Introduction: Alcohol is the most common and easily accessible drug in the world and in Slovenia as well. We are one of wet cultures and social tolerance for alcohol in Slovenia is quite high because alcohol consumption is part of everyday life. Adolescents say they can obtain alcoholic beverages with no problem and they enjoy drinking them because of their taste and the effects alcohol has. External influences make them believe it is not possible to party without alcohol, therefore an increasing number of adolescents resort to drinking, yet they are not aware of the harmful consequences of their behaviour. Alcohol has physical as well as psychological and social effects, it can lead do disability and can also cause death. Alcohol consumption in youths, particularly drinking to the point of intoxication, is concerning as it has both short-term and long-term consequences. Aim: The aim of this diploma dissertation is to determine the problem of hazardous alcohol consumption and alcohol poisoning among adolescents. Methods of work: The descriptive method was used, including a review of Slovene and foreign references. Specialist and scientific articles in English and Slovene, written sources and current websites were analysed. Discussion and conclusion: To lessen the consequences of intoxicating or drinking alcohol, it is necessary to set a wise policy on alcohol abuse, persistently carry out preventive measures, bring about a more responsible attitude towards alcohol in society and introduce prevention programmes in schools with the aim of preventing harmful drinking. Nurses, who spend most time with adolescents, also have an important role and it is, therefore, crucial they acquire additional skills in specialist areas, for only this enables them to be efficient and successful in providing health education. Nurse can work health educational for children and adolescents in kindergartens, schools, in communities, and in the context of preventive and systematic examinations.
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