ALCOHOL Choosing to Be Alcohol Free

Vocabulary  Ethanol – the type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages  Fermentation – the chemical action of yeast on sugars  Depressant – a drug that slows the central nervous system  Intoxication – the state in which the body is poisoned by alcohol or another substance and the person’s physical and mental control is significantly reduced  Alcohol Abuse – excessive use of alcohol

General Information  Gateway drug into the use of other drugs  Harmful effects that include physical, mental/emotional, social, and legal consequences, including serious health problems to the drinker and those around them  Death can be caused by disease, violence, and motor vehicle accidents

The Facts About Alcohol  Ethanol is a powerful and addictive drug  Produced synthetically and naturally through the fermentation of fruits, vegetables, and grains  Water, flavoring, and minerals help to produce a variety of beers and wines  Spirits, or liquors, such as whiskey, rye, and vodka

Factors That Influence Alcohol Use  Peer Pressure  Family- people who start underage drinking at home are more likely to have problems with binge drinking and related problems.  Media Messages  Advertising Techniques  Billions of dollars spent each year  Billboards, TV, radio, magazines, newspapers  Companies sponsor sporting events, musical concerts, art festivals, exhibits, and other community events

Alcohol’s Role in Unsafe Situations  Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death and disability among teenagers  Death by drowning, fire, suicide, and homicide  Association with drinkers increases your risk of being seriously injured, involved in a vehicle crash, or affected by violence

Alcohol and The Law  Under 21, it is illegal to buy, possess, or consume  Legal consequences include arrest, fine, or sentence to a youth detention center  By breaking the law, you risk damaging your reputation, losing the trust and respect of friends and family

Alcohol, Violence, and Sexual Activity  Teens who drink alcohol are more likely to become victims or perpetrators of violent crimes such as rape, aggravated assault, and robbery  Fighting  Alcohol use and sexual activity are a dangerous mixture  Impairs judgment, lowers inhibitions, compromises moral standards  Sexually active at an earlier age, engage in sexual activity more often and engage in unprotected sexual activity more often than non-alcohol users  Unplanned pregnancy, HIV, STDs, and negative mental and social consequences

Alcohol Abuse  25 percent of all youth are exposed to family alcohol abuse some time before they are 18  High risk for neglect, abuse, economic hardship, and social isolation  Alcohol as an escape  A teen is four times as likely to develop alcohol dependence than an adult

Alcohol and Extracurricular Activities  Most schools have adopted a zero- tolerance policy  Ineligible to participate or may be suspended from their activities or from school  Damage to future social, college, and job opportunities

Being Alcohol Free  Maintain a healthy body  Make responsible decisions  Avoid risky behaviors  Avoid illegal activities

Strategies for Preventing Use of Alcohol  Just say no  Be assertive  Avoid situations in which alcohol is present