Make a Difference: Teen Drunk Driving

How does it start? - The average boy takes his first drink at age 11 while the average girl, at age 13. -More than half of high school seniors report that they have been drunk at least once. -Three million teens are alcoholics.

What are the consequences? Alcohol affects the youth abysmally. A person can see double Have a slurred speech Lose a sense of distance Alcohol loosens your inhibitions, so you make bad judgments that can result in car crashes, violence, unwanted pregnancy, sexual transmission of diseases, or rape; cause violent crimes and vandalism.

Alcohol and the Effects Although it may not seem possible, alcohol can cost you your freedom. A loose/heavy drinker -- drinker nonetheless-- can be grounded by their parents, lose their driver's ID, or end up in jail. Lastly, a person who drinks often will soon notice that their grades may drop.

Why does it happen? Some people have a hard time socializing at parties, so they often turn to alcohol. On the other end of the spectrum, there are people who drink to escape. Some teenagers tend to believe that alcohol will help them step out of their comfort zones (or make them look cool) when in reality, alcohol can make a person do some pretty embarrassing things.

Alcohol Abuse What is it? - Is defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance (such like alcohol) for any mood-altering purposes. - Teens who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become dependent on alcohol as adults than those who do not begin drinking until age 21.

Historical overview/changed over time: In July of 1987, the minimum purchase age became 21 in all states. Neo-prohibitionists of today typically argue that raising the drinking age to 21 has been beneficial, though evidence suggest otherwise.

Affects of Alcohol

Major physical and psychological effects of alcohol: Intoxication High blood pressure Depressed Immune system Liver disease Cancer susceptibility Alcohol poisoning Heart and respiratory failure Weight gainStrokesPhysical abuse Alcohol dependency Anxiety and depression Lowers cognitive muscle movement Wernicke- Korsakoff Syndrome Inability to learn and remember Confusion

Agencies/special interest groups: Alcohol Taxes: Studies demonstrate that increased beer prices lead to reductions in the levels and frequency of drinking. BAC Laws: Fourteen States have lowered BAC limits from 0.10 to 0.08 percent to reduce alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle crashes. Warning Labels: say alcohol consumption can result in birth defects, impaired ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and health problems. The Saving Lives Program: Lives involved the media, businesses, schools and colleges, citizens' advocacy groups, and the police in activities such as high school peer-led education, college prevention programs, increased liquor-outlet surveillance, and other efforts. Alcohol Misuse Prevention Study (AMPS): focuses primarily on teaching peer- resistance skills and on clarifying students' misperceptions of their peers' alcohol use. Raising the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA): MLDA legislation is intended to reduce alcohol use among those under 21, to prevent traffic deaths, and to avoid other negative outcomes (9-11).

The Numbers 11,318 American youth (12 to 20 years of age) try alcohol for the first time.” Alcohol is the most used and abused drug among teenagers in America. “According to a national survey, nearly one third (31.5%) of all high school students reported hazardous drinking (5+ drinks in one setting) during the 30 days preceding the survey.

Citations Works Cited About.com. “Alcoholism.” About.com. The New York Times Company, 13 Dec Web. 17 Mar Dictionary 3.0. “Alcoholism.” Copyrights 2010 all rights reserved dictionary30.com, 6 Jan Web. 17 Mar “Scientific Facts on Alcohol.” Green Facts “Facts on health and the Environment.” Google Custom Search & Trademark of Cogeneris sprl & W.H.O., 19 Feb Web. 17 Mar Summa-Wolfe, Cathy, et al. “Alcohol Images Increase Consumption.” Marin Institute. Charge For Harm, 9 Nov Web. 17 Mar