What does Botellón mean for society

Botellón, (Big bottle in Spanish ) is a social activity among Spain's youth, who gather in public areas to consume alcohol as an alternative to going  a bar or club. It has been studied by sociologists that define it as: “Mass gathering of young people between 16 and 24 years primarily, to consume the drink that they have previously purchased in groceries, to listen music and dance”.

The origins of botellón began with working-class youths who wanted to drink alcohol cheaper than was sold in bars and take advantage of good weather. Nowadays, most of the young people in Spain advocate Botellón as a way enjoy themselves with their friends without spending too much money. The majority of these teenagers don't work and get pocket money of around 10 or 15 euros per week. According to statistics 180.000 young people meet on weekends in open-air places. According to sociologists, teenagers drink alcohol because they imitate the parental or social models.

The mass media gives lots of publicity to alcoholic drinks or spirits, associating them with success, attractiveness and other securities. Alcohol and tobacco are part of initiation rituals in a society where unfortunately teenagers connect to adult past times.

Botellón however has its consequences such as rubbish in the streets, violence, noise pollution and serious problems with neighbours who can’t sleep because of the noise. The worst consequence is premature alcoholism, mental disorders and diseases, cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, renal alterations, tumours...

Those who think that alcohol does not harm your health or that its negative effects pass quickly without trace are completely wrong. When the liver can't eliminate more ethanol (alcohols toxic component) the next process begins: lack of coordination, euphoria, dizziness, headache, vomiting, loss of conscience, ethyl coma and death in extreme cases. Frequent drunkenness damages growth, promotes obesity, impairs the brain’s functions, memory and cognitive skills.

Now global aid programs are being implemented through: family, school, and society. Families must educate from early childhood that the value of drugs are not necessary to have good time with friends. Family should teach children values of respect and responsibility. Schools are now providing educational programs, preventing and informing of the effects of alcohol and other drugs such as tobacco and cannabis. The society and the mass media are in favour of restricting advertising. Alternative proposals to fill leisure hours: opening weekend sports centres, and promoting sports activities.

The ultimate goal is to delay the age at which young people begin drinking alcohol. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), 18 should be the age limit to drink alcohol, but many experts place the age at 20, because then your attitude is more reasonable and responsible.

To achieve the main goal of prevention education between parents and teachers in schools should start from early childhood. We live in a society surrounded by alcoholic stimulus and we must teach children personal control, for effective and efficient prevention in a world where it is necessary to learn it.