Study Finds Kids Are Trying Alcohol Before Age Ten

Alcohol consumption in Belize has reached troubling levels, with the country ranking among the highest in the Americas. Binge drinking has become a common pastime and has resulted in increased non-communicable diseases.

Dr Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health and Wellness, explained, “The data from Belize showed that compared to the region of the Americas, we are graded high in terms of the amount of alcohol we drink. We also considered to be binge drinkers.”

The data shows that binge drinking sessions often amount to eight glasses, and of the survey done, 15% reported having their first taste of alcohol before age ten. Dr Lila Estephan, Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator, noted, “We have to look at our society and our culture. When we have Independence celebrations, when we have a festival, when we have Agric, what do you see mostly? Alcohol. You will see a lot of people drinking, and it is something we encourage in our society as fun.”

Men consume more frequently and in larger quantities than women, while eighteen per cent of children between thirteen and fifteen reported being drunk at least once. Cheap, high-concentration rum known as “bad man” has been identified as a major culprit. Dr Estephan added, “At the end of the day, alcoholism is a disease and an addiction. We cannot blame the consumer. But it makes it much easier and accessible for the person.”

The Ministry of Health and Wellness warns that alcohol is a risk factor for over two hundred health conditions. Beyond health, marginalised households are spending more of their income on alcohol, and families are breaking apart. Cynthia Williams, Human Development Coordinator, explained, “Alcohol is not a cause for domestic violence or gender-based violence. It is a factor.”