By Chad Schaeffer, Nathan Runk, Faith Altomare, and Brenna Ritter

  Alcohol is created when grains, fruits, or vegetables are fermented. Fermentation is a process that uses yeast or bacteria to change the sugars in the food into alcohol.  So if alcohol is a natural product, why do so many teens need to be concerned about drinking it. When people drink alcohol, it’s absorbed into their bloodstream. From there, it affects the central nervous system, which controls virtually all body functions.  Because teens brains are still developing alcohol can greatly affect their development. What is Alcohol

  You cannot legally drink or purchase alcoholic beverages in Pennsylvania until you are 21 years old.  If convicted of underage drinking, you can be fined up to $300, jailed up to 90 days in jail, or both.  Under Pennsylvania’s Zero Tolerance Law, persons under the age of 21 can be arrested and charged with a DUI even if their blood alcohol level (BAC) is.020.  Teenagers say that drinking alcohol will make them cool, but there is nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out, or even puking on yourself. Drinking alcohol also can cause bad breath and weight gain. Underage Drinking and DUI

  Teens drink because they are curious, it makes them feel good, it reduces their stress, it relaxes them, they want to fit in, and it makes them feel older.  You shouldn’t drink because the punishment is severe, teens are more likely to get in fights or commit crimes, and teens often have problems in school.  You can avoid drinking by saying “no, thanks”, “I’m not drinking”, “I have a game tomorrow”, or “My uncle died from drinking.” You can also say that “my parents will catch me or “my coach will kill me.” Teen Health on Alcohol

  If you think you have a drinking problem, get help as soon as possible.  The best approach is to talk to an adult you trust. If you can’t approach your parents, talk to your doctor, school counselor, clergy member, aunt, or uncle.  You can also talk to a help program like AA, Ala- teen, or Al-anon.  If you have a severe problem you might be recommended for rehab or outpatient treatment. Where Can I Get Help

  Alcohol affects every cell in the body.  From the stomach and the intestines, it moves rapidly into the bloodstream. From the blood, it enters every cell. Within minutes after the first sip of a drink, ethanol is affecting the brain, muscles, nerves, glands, and small blood vessels of the skin. It also passes through the liver.  Alcohol also has long term affects on some organs such as the heart, pancreas, liver, and brain.  Cancer can also occur such as mouth, throat, lung, liver, pancreas, and rectum cancer.  A pregnant mother drinking alcohol can have a baby with birth defects. Effects of Alcohol

  In 2012, 404 people died from alcohol related crashes.  On average each day, 33 alcohol-related traffic crashes occurred, 1.1 people were killed in alcohol related crashes, and 24 people were injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes.  Alcohol related crashes were almost 4.2 times more likely to result in death then those not related to alcohol.  On Saturday most alcohol related crashes are likely occurred.  Labor Day and Pre-Thanksgiving have the highest death rate due to alcohol use.  In 2012, 11,956 crashes were alcohol related. Alcohol Related Crashes in 2012