Alcohol and Adolescents

Adolescents and alcohol use

Why do youth choose to drink?  Peer pressure  Risk-taking behavior associated with adolescence  Decreased parental supervision / greater independence  Increased stress

Effects of alcohol on adolescents  Increases risk-taking behaviors  Decreased academic performance  May lead to drug use  Health risks  Brain development

Alcohol and brain development  Teen’s brain more easily damaged by alcohol than an adult’s brain  More likely to have significantly lower mental abilities  Decrease ability to learn  Hippocampus is smaller  Loss of motor skills

Binge drinking  For males: 5 drinks in one sitting  For females: 4 drinks in one sitting  Those who binge drink:  10x more likely to drink and drive  Get lower grades  40% black out as a result of drinking  30% have unplanned sex as a result of drinking  30% have argued with friends as a result of drinking  Harvard School of Public Health

Alcohol advertising  “Research clearly indicates that alcohol advertising and marketing also have a significant effect by influencing youth and adult expectations and attitudes, and helping to create an environment that promotes underage drinking.” (Center for Alcohol Marketing and Youth, 2010)  Adolescents do not feel that advertising has an effect  But studies show that the brain reacts differently in drinkers than non-drinkers. (Why21.com)

Prevention Programs  Encourage school involvement  Parents, teachers, role models – communicate!  Provide alcohol-free opportunities  Know the risks  Enforce the laws