title: Preventing unsafe alcohol consumption on the 21st birthday: roles for nurses.
abstract: Because of its legal significance, the 21st birthday is considered a milestone event. Research reveals that turning 21 is an occasion that is often marked by the ingestion of excessive, perhaps even lethal, amounts of alcohol. Peer pressure and lack of knowledge about the potentially life-threatening effects of alcohol overconsumption can make this birthday a perilous event. Birthday rituals have developed that encourage reckless consumption. Literature addressing the prevalence of excessive drinking among college students is abundant. However, the authors found minimal literature addressing the potential contribution of nurses toward the reduction of unsafe alcohol consumption among young adults celebrating their 21st birthday. This article provides a brief review of the physiological effects of alcohol and practical suggestions for promoting safety among young adults celebrating this milestone birthday.
authors.affiliation: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA. anne.durkin@quinnipiac.edu
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Durkin
authors.forename: Lisa G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000846:Anniversaries and Special Events; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult