Underage Drinking & Teen Health By: Divjot Arora, Vanessa Raab, Nathan Edwards, Austin Thomas

 Alcohol is a depressant, it slows the function of the central nervous system  The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord  Alcohol blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain  Alters a person’s perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing  The effect is higher on teens as their brain is still developing Teen Health on Alcohol

 People who are intoxicated may stagger, lose their coordination, and slur their speech  Reaction times are slowed dramatically  People who are intoxicated may act totally out of character  Alcohol poisoning can also occur when large amounts of alcohol are consumed in a short period of time  Violent vomiting – usually first symptom  Extreme sleepiness  unconsciousness Teen Health on Alcohol

 Difficulty breathing  Dangerously low blood sugar  Seizures  Even death may result More Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

 There is a high possibility of becoming addicted  Punishment is severe  More likely to get into fights & commit crimes than those who don’t  Problems with school  Drinking can damage a student’s ability to study well and get decent grades  Affects sports performance Why Shouldn’t Teens Drink?

 Cannot legally drink or purchase alcoholic beverages in Pennsylvania until you are 21  Can be arrested and convicted of underage drinking if you are caught buying, drinking, possessing, or transporting alcohol  $300 fine  Jailed up to 90 days  Criminal record  Driver’s license taken away for 90 days Underage Drinking

 If you are caught driving under the influence, it is a misdemeanor of the second degree  Maximum penalty of up to $5,000  Up to two years in jail  If you are tried and convicted…  You must pay a minimum of $300  Spend at least 48 hours in jail  Pay other legal fees  Lose your license for at least three months, possibly up to a year Underage Drinking & Driving Under the Influence (D.U.I)

 Under Pennsylvania’s Zero Tolerance Law, persons under 21 can be arrested and charged with D.U.I even if their blood alcohol is 0.20 Underage Drinking & D.U.I