6 Essential truths about Teens and alcohol

Alcohol has a long history

Prohibition of alcohol 21st Amendment Bootlegging Speakeasies $ Temperance Movement 1920 1934 1927

So it appears that alcohol is here to stay… Amendment 21st

Essential Truth

Young people today report that they have had their first experience with alcohol by their early teen years.

HIGH NOT Lower MODERATE Ethanol alcohol All alcohol is The SAME Beer / Coolers Wine Liquor Lower MODERATE HIGH Ethanol alcohol Levels

Drunk Passout/Blackout Death 12 oz. 4-5 oz. Drunk 1 oz. Passout/Blackout Death 1 Drink of… Beer Wine Liquor It takes your liver 1 hour to process 1 oz. of alcohol

Essential Truth

but drink more than adults. How fast you get drunk depends on several factors… How much do you weigh? Are you male or female? How many drinks are you drinking in what amount of time? What kind of alcohol are you drinking? How much do you weigh? Are you male or female? How many drinks are you drinking in what amount of time? How much do you weigh? Are you male or female? How much do you weigh? Young people drink less often than adults… but drink more than adults.

Low Dose Effects… Sense of Fun Euphoria Relaxed Bad Judgment Poor concentration Slow reaction time Reduced coordination Inability to sense danger Sense of Fun Euphoria Relaxed

190,000+ Moderate Dose Effects… Slurred speech Sleepiness Altered emotions Poor vision Increased urine production Reported Alcohol-related injuries in one year: (Under age of 21) 190,000+

Large Dose Effects… Vomiting Uncontrolled urination Uncontrolled defecation Breathing difficulties Passing out Alcohol poisoning Coma Possible death Long Term Organ Damage Headaches Body Aches Vomiting Reported Alcohol-related deaths in one year: (Under age of 21) 5,000+

Essential Truth

30% Drunk Driving 70% Homicides, Suicides, Alcohol Poisoning, Injuries: Falls, Burns, and Drowning

Binge Drinking Guys: 5+ drinks at one time Girls: 4+ drinks at one time Alcohol consumed by youth in the form of binge drinking… 90%

Essential Truth

30% College Drop Outs Alcohol Related Drop-Outs If college is a part of your future, alcohol’s effect is important to consider.

…to get you drunk!

Essential Truth

The consumption of alcohol is against the law until you are 21 years old.

And finally… Essential Truth

MOST teenagers choose NOT to drink If you want to fit in… Stay SOBER!

Understanding addiction… It is true that not everyone who drinks alcohol (or takes drugs) immediately becomes an addict. Young people who begin drinking before age 18 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence.

Addiction grows from the habits. Habits form as we cope with life.

SPEAK UP! I’m Concerned About My Friend… My friend – Drinks often Drops out of usual activities Drives under the influence Different person when drinking SPEAK UP!

Think about what you’re going to say ahead of time Pick a time when your friend is calm and sober Find a private spot to talk Take a supportive approach Point out specific actions that worry you Listen to without judging.

Call 911, and talk with an adult you trust. Your friend may need more than one talk. If in immediate danger— talking about suicide passes out and won’t wake up Call 911, and talk with an adult you trust.

The Truth about drinking http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/alcohol.html

If you need help or know someone who does… Contact Mrs. Lau Bldg 6, Room 122 paula.lau@jenksps.org Thanks to Jeannie Boudiette and Clay Martin for narration.