Abstract | In Australia, negative attitudes to young women’s drinking have eased, drinking is on the increase, and there are heightened concerns about heavy or ‘binge’ drinking. In a climate where underage drinking is frequently considered undesirable, campaigns aimed at reducing heavy alcohol use have failed. This paper takes as it’s departure point the notion that alcohol plays a meaningful role in social lives and relationships. It is through the use of narrative that these young women make sense of their drinking, which is still stigmatised. Any harms encountered along the way tend to be filtered through the ‘good story’, brimming with tales of fun, adventure, bonding, sex, gender transgressions and relationships. Nevertheless, these women implemented their own practical harm minimisation strategies, and it is here that professionals can gain a foot hold and assist young people to drink more safely. |
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