Carnival: Young people dispense with alcohol and prefer other drugs – 02/19/2023 – Equilíbrio

Drinking more than usual is usually part of the combo of those who decide to make the most of Carnival, whether participating in blocos or chasing trios for hours. However, the side effects and the high caloric content of the drinks make the younger generations opt for illicit drugs, pushing the drinks to the bottom of the list of preferred substances.

Student Priscila (fictitious name, upon request), 20, says that the taste of alcohol was never her favorite. The psychoactive effect of the drink also doesn’t call her attention, which makes her only have a few beers at “quieter” social events.

When he needs an alternative, he turns to amphetamine. It’s also what you’ll do at carnival.

“What I tend to use the most is MD, or anything that gets me more excited at big events where I have to hold out for a long time.” The young woman is referring to the MDMA substance, which has the same active ingredient as ecstasy.

Convenience is also a problem with Carnival on the streets. “It’s complicated to be buying drinks in packs, having to go back and take a risk. At most, I prefer to drink beforehand and replace it with drugs on the spot.”

Behaviors like this reinforce the assumption that young people from generation Z drink less than those from previous generations.

A study sponsored by the UN (United Nations) with samples from 2017 and 2018 indicates that alcohol consumption by adolescents has dropped in relation to previous years. The work, however, only interviewed young people from Canada and Europe.

However, the idea that young people from generation Z —born between the end of the 90s and the first decade of the 2000s— do not consume as much alcohol, is not in line with the reality of Brazilians.

In Brazil, the National Survey on School Health indicates an increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages by students in the 9th grade of Elementary School.

The percentage of students in the period who had consumed alcohol at least once in their lives increased from 52.8% in 2012 to 63.2% in 2019. The consumption of other drugs also increased, even if more discreetly.

Despite this trend observed in the surveys, psychiatrist Arthur Guerra, president of the Deliberative Council of the Instituto Perdizes at the Hospital das Clínicas at USP (University of São Paulo), states that it is common to find young people who do not drink or drink less.

“Alcohol is very caloric, other drugs are less”, he says. “Today we see a shift in societal norms regarding access to illicit drugs, and many young people may end up coming into contact with them without trying alcohol first.”

After some experiences, student Priscila is not the only one who reports discomfort with the effects of alcohol and gives preference to other substances.

João (fictitious name, upon request), 23, reduced his alcohol consumption after realizing that he was bothered by effects such as loss of control and memory. “I feel that with other drugs I can have more fun, have more control over myself and the situation and also avoid discomfort or even safety risks as alcohol provides.”

At Carnival, he also wants to prioritize other drugs. “Of all the drugs I use or have ever tried, alcohol is without a doubt the one I consume with the greatest concern for how I’m going to wake up the next day.”

Psychology student Aline (fictitious name, upon request), 21, prefers the high of marijuana. “I’ve tried lol [lança-perfume]LSD and candy, but I use it very rarely, “he says.

But alcohol is still a reality in Aline’s life, who drinks recreationally. She plans, however, to reduce consumption, since drinks tend to be very sugary and caloric, something that makes it difficult to choose healthier habits. “As much as it’s legal, it doesn’t necessarily make me feel good.”

A substitute would be marijuana, but not for this Carnival. As a result of the large inspection in the city where she lives, Salvador (BA), she will continue with the drink once again.

“It ends up being a social coercion to consume alcohol”, he says. “I will continue to consume both, but I think that if it were a free choice, I would not make the same choices.”

Psychiatrist Arthur Guerra claims that there is a risk of dependence on any drug, including alcohol. During the development phase until the age of 19, the professional points out that there are also neuropsychic damages.

“The recurrent use of drugs in this phase can lead to problems with memory, concentration, damage to sexual life”, points out Guerra. The expert points out that, although alcohol is more socially tolerated, its early use can also lead to problems.

Nutritionist Leane Santos, from Beneficência Portuguesa, says that replacing alcohol with other substances is not a strategy recommended by professionals.

“The key is balance and harm reduction,” he advises. To avoid further damage to the diet and unwanted side effects, Santos recommends interspersing drinks with water and eating before going out.

“It is more advisable to choose simple drinks and that you drink less”, he points out. “Restricting completely isn’t the best option either, as you tend to overcompensate with other things.”