Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to investigate the model of reducing, stopping and refraining from
alcohol consumption in youths aged 15-19 years by studying the concepts, theories and the review of relevant
literature in order to find out the behavior, causes of alcohol consumption, and public policies perceived from
the youths opinions. An integrated research methodology was used, and there was verification in accordance
with the context of the actual situation from in-depth interviews with 25 adolescents aged 15-19 years, in 5
provinces. There was participatory observation in using the service in the workplace of youth in 5 provinces,
namely, Chon Buri, Lop Buri, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, and Songkhla. With 450 sets of questionnaires, the data
were collected for statistical analysis from the sample group consisting of youth aged 15-19 years, in 5
provinces, namely Chonburi, Lop Buri, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Songkhla. SPSS was used for data analysis to
find the average value, and then the data were brought to those involved in policy formulation to discuss and
comment on policies that came from public opinion.
The research results showed that most of the youths thought that they did not drink in dangerous
level of alcohol amounts. They chose to drink beer or alcoholic beverages that were not expensive or that the
vendor organized promotional activities. The first place to drink was in the dormitory, and then they used the
service in the entertainment area. Their drinking was caused by social issues and friendship. The environment
was also a factor for alcohol consumption because the environment that had alcoholic drinkers made the youth
feel familiar and want to try them. They didnt want to be different from other members in their own society.
The policy and legal measures that young people were afraid of were the Road Traffic Act 1979, stipulating that
drivers under the age of twenty years had not to drive in the case of having blood alcohol content in excess of
20 mg%. This was because they often saw the authorities used this measure, and they did not want their family
to suffer. According to the youths opinion, the activity contributing to their reducing, stopping and refrain from
alcohol consumption was to encourage them to have access to the campaign and to spend time and
opportunities for social creation by assigning activities for them to participate in. According to the results of the
study, it was also found that the model to reduce, stop and refrain from alcohol consumption was to create new
value that alcohol drinking and selling were not a normal thing. The result obtained from the model was if they
violated the model of alcohol reduction, the dimension of control was used. The model to refrain from alcohol
consumption consisted of policies related to the prevention of the increase of new young drinkers by creating
life skills and enhancing immunity by creating an alcohol-free society. The model to give up alcohol
consumption consisted of policies related to access to risk groups and assist them with psychosocial therapies
and medical treatment.