Running head: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Hillsborough County Underage Alcohol Consumption

Jorge Guzman
University of South Florida

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Hillsborough County Underage Alcohol Consumption

Identifying the weaknesses and strengths of a community may create a potential for
growth and improvement within that targeted population. Analyzing the demographics of a
community as well as utilizing the statistical data found to analyze trends within that community,
is how suggestions for improvements are made. After assessing the population in Hillsborough
County, there were many public health threats and risky health behaviors, when comparing
Hillsborough County to the state of Floridas average and the national average statistics. The
location, the attraction of theme parks, weather, various professional sports teams, universities,
breweries, cultural diversity, and active night life are all contributing factors that make
Hillsborough County such a popular place to visit and live. However, these same factors may
also contribute to the rate of excessive alcohol consumption within this community.
Hillsborough County Assessment
Purpose & Background
The intention of this literature is to identify a community preventative health
improvement plan to reduce excessive alcohol consumption in the underage population of
Hillsborough County, Florida. With the goal of reducing Hillsborough Countys overall rates of
excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol-impaired driving deaths in the years to come, the
focus will be mainly on the population under the age of 21 in Hillsborough County. However, the
contribution, support, and involvement of adults over the age of 21 is needed to implement
changes and make an impact on the future of Hillsborough County. Taking a preventative
approach before the problem occurs may help reduce the overall rate of excessive alcohol
consumption.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

As of 2015, Hillsborough County ranks number four in population amongst Floridas 67

counties and is projected to become number three by 2040 (Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse,
2015). According to Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (2015), Hillsborough
County grew in population by 6.43% from 2010-2015 and is projected to grow in population by
6.67% by 2020. Hillsborough County has distinguished its rapid growth and ranked fourteenth in
population augmentation in the nation, gaining over 112,000 residents within the 2009-2014
timeframe (Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, 2016). In addition, according
to Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (2016), Tampa ranks second on USA
Todays list for beer towns with over 30 breweries and brew pubs located in Hillsborough
County.
Statistical comparison of Hillsborough County to the state of Florida and the national
benchmark reveals that Hillsborough County statistics are higher than both in excessive drinking
and alcohol-impaired driving deaths (University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, 2016).
According to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (2016), data comparison
related to excessive alcohol consumption reveals that both the National median and Floridas
benchmark are at 17% and Hillsborough County is at 20%. Data comparison related to alcoholimpaired driving deaths reveals Florida's benchmark at 29%, National median benchmark at
30%, and Hillsborough County at 33%. Excessive alcohol consumption directly correlates with
alcohol-impaired driving deaths. Hence, a decrease in the rate of excessive alcohol consumption
decreases the rate of alcohol-impaired driving deaths. The goal is to reduce the rate of excessive
alcohol consumption, which will decrease the number of alcohol-impaired driving deaths, and

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

improve the overall health of Hillsborough County residents. The specific age group targeted in
this literature will be the population under the age of 21.
Differentiation
Many times the public portrays an excessive alcohol consumer as an alcoholic that is
consistently under the influence. However, that is not an accurate description by definition. Truth
be told, most people who drink excessively are far from what the public has stereotyped an
excessive drinker to be (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2016). According to the
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2016), there are several forms of excessive
drinking. By definition, excessive drinking includes binge drinking, which is the most common
form, heavy drinking, as well as any consumption of alcohol while pregnant or under the age of
21. Additionally, women and men are held to different standards when referring to excessive
alcohol consumption. For women, binge drinking is defined as the consumption of 4 or more
alcoholic beverages on one occasion. For men, binge drinking is defined as the consumption of 5
or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services,
2016). The definition of heavy drinking for women is the consumption of 8 or more alcoholic
beverages per week. As for men, heavy drinking is defined as the consumption of 15 or more
drinks per week (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2016).
Alcohol could be consumed daily, but must be consumed in moderation. According to the
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2016), the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
defines moderate alcohol consumption as no more than one drink daily for women and no more
than two drinks daily for men. A single serving of alcohol is considered to be one 12-ounce beer,
8-ounces of malt liquor, 5-ounces of wine, or 1.5-ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor,

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

which are equivalent to 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol respectively (U.S. Department of Health &
Human Services, 2016).
The most common form of excessive drinking is binge drinking and it is associated with
multiple short-term health risks (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2016). The
effects of binge drinking most often result in poor decision making and increase the risk for risky
behavior. One night of binge drinking may result in physical injury, sexual assault, intimate
partner violence, suicidal ideations, alcohol poisoning, and unprotected sex with or without
multiple partners, which may or may not result in transmission of a sexually transmitted
infection, unintended pregnancy, and/or possible miscarriage (U.S. Department of Health &
Human Services, 2016). However, over time excessive alcohol consumption increases the risks
for the development of chronic disease and other health issues. Some of the long-term health
risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption include high blood pressure, heart disease,
stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver,
and colon, memory problems, mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, social
problems, including family issues, unemployment, decreased productivity, and may lead to
alcohol dependence (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2016). All of these potential
health risks are decreased if alcohol is consumed in moderation or not consumed at all.
Promising Practice
Considering that excessive alcohol consumption may potentially begin at an age earlier
than 21, education is key to promote health and well-being well in advanced. As teenagers
become more susceptible to illegal alcohol consumption, pressured to drink by peers, given the
privilege to drive, and become closer to legally consuming and purchasing alcohol on their own,
it is extremely important to provide the sufficient education to this vulnerable crowd to prevent

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

excessive alcohol consumption. This movement begins by implementing mandatory teaching

sessions to teenagers in middle and high schools throughout Hillsborough County and
establishing a foundation in our youth. Utilizing a form of primary prevention early on provides
the youth with the knowledge to know how to make the right decision in a difficult situation that
will inevitably present itself in the near future.
An organization named Florida Students Against Destructive Decisions, puts an
emphasis on traffic safety by educating both students and parents about underage drinking and
impaired driving because, motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for
teenagers in the U.S. (Students Against Destructive Decisions, 2016). Incorporating FL SADD
into Hillsborough County schools will raise awareness and decrease the number of underage
alcohol consumers. Additionally, FL SADD is funded by the Florida Department of
Transportation and sponsored by organizations such as State Farm, Allstate, and National Safety
Council that may offer insurance discounts to teenage drivers and their parents for attending FL
SADD meetings. Offering incentives to the target population may increase attendance rate,
encourage participation and help decrease the overall rate of excessive alcohol consumption.
Another organization called Mothers Against Drunk Driving has cut drunk driving deaths
by half since it was founded in 1980, and has been dedicated to educating about the statistics of
alcohol consumption, driving under the influence, and raising awareness amongst our youth
(Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 2015). Providing the youth with facts about excessive alcohol
consumption may help reduce their decision to drink and guide them in making better decisions
as adults. In 2014, the highest percentage of fatal motor vehicle accidents as a result of drunk
driving was for drivers ages 21 to 24. Although the underage population does not fall under that
age range, they need to be aware that their friends driving may be under the influence (Mothers

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Against Drunk Driving, 2015). In 2013, alcohol-impaired driving claimed the lives of
approximately 17% of children under the age of 14 involved in motor vehicle accident fatalities.
Explaining the penalties, the costs, and risks associated with driving under the influence may
ensure that the youth will not get behind the wheel after drinking or be a passenger in a vehicle
when the driver is under the influence. In 2014, there were over 1.1 million arrests associated
with driving under the influence. Of those arrests, there were three times as many males than
females caught driving under the influence (Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 2015). In 2014, the
rate of alcohol-impaired driving deaths was about four times higher at night than throughout the
day and more fatal crashes involving alcohol occur on the weekends (29%) than the weekdays
(16%). In 2015, approximately every two minutes a person is injured in an accident involving
alcohol and approximately every 51 minutes a person dies from an accident involving alcohol
(Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 2015).
Additionally, providing education about the physiology of alcohol consumption and the
average rate that the body metabolizes alcohol will help give a better understanding of excessive
alcohol consumption. The youth needs to be educated on what driving under the influence
means. Informing the youth on what a blood alcohol level of .08 g/dL is and its effects on the
nervous system is essential. Explaining that alcohol impairment is determined by the amount of
alcohol consumed over time, not by the type of alcoholic beverage consumed is also important
(Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 2015).
Furthermore, it is equally important to educate both teenagers as well as parents about the
risks of excessive drinking because, teenagers are not the only ones at fault for drinking under
the age of 21. In fact, many teenagers try alcohol for the first time at home because their parents
or other adults encourage them to try it (Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 2015). These actions by

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

parents or adults may lead to devastating consequences because, when teenagers feel they have
their parents approval to consume alcohol, they are at an increased risk to drink behind their
parents back and out of their parents supervision. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving
(2015), over 25% of eighth graders have tried alcohol, over 40% of all tenth graders have
consumed alcohol, and about one is seven teens binge drink. Children who start drinking at an
early age are seven times more likely to be in an accident that involves alcohol. Dropout rates are
increased by five times for the High school student who uses alcohol (Mothers Against Drunk
Driving, 2015). Underage alcohol consumption has many negative consequences and it is up to
us as health care providers, teachers, and parents to educate our youth.
In conclusion, social media, TV shows, and movies portray alcohol consumption as
appealing, cool, and sexy, which opens the doors for curiosity amongst the teenage population.
However, these sources fail to show the truth behind excessive alcohol consumption and its long
term effects. It is important to show the youth the truth behind the lies and ensure that they are
well educated about excessive alcohol consumption and its potential threats and consequences.
After all, the leading cause of death for teens is motor vehicle accidents and approximately 25%
of those accidents involve an underage drinking driver (Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 2015).
Providing thorough education to the youth is the key to prevent excessive alcohol consumption
as an adult.
Limitations
There are several limitations and contributing factors to help resolve the issue of
excessive alcohol consumption in Hillsborough County. The biggest limitation with adult
excessive alcohol consumers is that this population must possess the will to change from within
and must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to control their alcohol consumption. It is

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

much harder to break a habit once it becomes a way of life. The target population chosen was the
underage population because they are at an age where they cannot purchase alcohol legally and
have the easy access to alcohol as adults over the age of 21 do. Furthermore, the chronic
excessive alcohol consumer may be dealing with several comorbidities and drinking may be their
only coping mechanism. Due to the limitation of legal access to alcohol of the underage
population, the target population under the age of 21 in Hillsborough County, is more likely to
not excessively consume alcohol as an adult if they are given the tools and education before they
are legally allowed to make that decision on their own.

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References
Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association (2015). Mission Statement & Guiding Principles.
Retrieved from http://www.fadaa.org/mission.php
Florida Department of Children & Families (2014). Treatment for Substance Abuse. Retrieved
from http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/substance-abuse/treatment-anddetoxification
Florida Department of Health (2015). County and State Profile Reports. Retrieved from
http://www.floridacharts.com/charts/DisplayHTML.aspx?
ReportType=1341&County=29&year=2015&tn=24
Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse (2015). Housing profile Hillsborough County, Florida.
Retrieved from http://flhousingdata.shimberg.ufl.edu/a/profiles?action=results&nid=2800
General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous (2006). Mission and Purpose. Retrieved from
http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/mission-and-purpose
Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (2015). 2015 annual economic
development indicators report. Retrieved from
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/library/hillsborough/mediacenter/documents/economic-development/annual-economic-development-indicatorsreport-final-for-print.pdf?la=en
Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (2016). Hillsborough County History.
Retrieved from http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/abouthillsborough/history/hillsborough-county-history
Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (2016). Rankings & accolades. Retrieved
from http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/businesses/economic-development/rankingsand-accolades

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Mothers Against Drunk Driving (2015). Did you know MADD's mission is to prevent underage
drinking? Retrieved from
http://www.madd.org/local-offices/tn/blog/uad-blogs/did-you-know-madds-mission.html
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (2015). Statistics. Retrieved from
http://www.madd.org/statistics/
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (2013). Substance Abuse. National
Snapshot. Retrieved from
https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/substance-abuse/nationalsnapshot
Students Against Destructive Decisions (2016). Help SADD Prevent Underage Drinking.
Retrieved from https://www.sadd.org/what-we-care-about/substance-abuse/alcohol/
Students Against Destructive Decisions (2016). The Vision, Missions, and Values of SADD.
Retrieved from https://www.sadd.org/who-we-are/vision-mission-values/
Tampa Alcohol Coalition (n.d.). About TAC. Retrieved from
http://www.tampatac.org/about.htm
University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (2016). Hillsborough County snapshot.
County Health Rankings 2016. Retrieved from
http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/florida/2016/rankings/hillsborough/county/outc
omes/overall/snapshot
University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (2016). County Health Rankings &
Roadmaps. 2016 National Statistics Reference Table. Retrieved from
http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/sites/default/files/2016_NationalStatisticsReference
Table.pdf

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U.S. Department of Commerce (2016). United States Census Bureau: Hillsborough County.
Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/search-results.html?q=Hillsborough+County
%2C+FL&page=1&stateGeo=none&searchtype=web
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2016). Fact sheets - alcohol use and your health.
Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm