UNDERAGE DRINKING

KNOW THE FACTS! Alcohol is the most misused drug in our society. Most people don’t consider alcohol to be a drug. Kids start drinking as early as 6 th grade. The earlier you begin drinking, the more likely you are to have life-long alcohol problems.

HOW ALCOHOL AFFECTS US Alcohol depresses the entire body. From the first drink, alcohol begins to impair judgement, coordination, and reaction time. Physical processes, like breathing and heart rate, slow down.

HOW ALCOHOL AFFECTS US Too much alcohol drops breathing and heart rate to dangerously low levels, and can stop them altogether.

HOW ALCOHOL AFFECTS US Kids who drink alcohol before age 21 are more likely to: Face problems in school Get assaulted Abuse alcohol later in life Drown or fall Die in a car crash

FACTS 75% of teens try alcohol before high school graduation 43% of H.S. seniors drank alcohol in the past 30 days 1 in 3 H.S. seniors got drunk in the past 30 days 1 in 5 H.S. sophomores got drunk in the past 30 days

FACTS Most young people are uninformed about how dangerous alcohol can be Research shows young adults involved in sports are at high risk of consuming alcohol Teens who start drinking at age 15 or 16 are 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol dependence as adults.

FACTS Teens are more likely to crash than adults, even with lower BAC. Crashes are leading cause of death for teens years old. 31% of teen traffic deaths are alcohol related. 26% of teen drivers killed in crashes have BAC of.08 or higher.

BINGE DRINKING Binge drinkers are more likely to be: Pushed, hit, or attacked Confronted with unwanted sexual advances Sexually assaulted Seriously injured

BINGE DRINKING Binge drinkers are more likely to: Drive drunk Ride with a drunk driver Have their property damaged Have unprotected sex Be exposed to STDs

COFFEE DOESN’T WORK!! After drinking, the liver removes alcohol from your bloodstream. This process can not be sped up. You can’t get sober faster by: Drinking coffee Eating food Taking a cold shower Exercising Getting fresh air

REASONS KIDS DRINK To celebrate To lower stress To express feelings and reduce inhibitions To go along with friends To fit in To lift mood To experiment or entertain themselves

ZERO TOLERANCE LAWS It is illegal for anyone under 21 to have ANY alcohol in their system. Possession of alcohol by someone under 21 is a 2 nd degree misdemeanor (1 st off.); 1 st degree misdemeanor for 2 nd offense.

ZERO TOLERANCE LAWS If driving & under 21 with BAC of.02 or higher, 6 month DL suspension for 1 st off; 1 year DL suspension for 2 nd off. If.05 or higher BAC, must complete substance abuse program and DL suspension. YOU WILL BE ARRESTED.

CONSEQUENCES Misdemeanor charges for purchasing, possessing, and/or drinking alcohol underage. Fines (hundreds to thousands) Car insurance rate hikes (hundreds) Reduced college options

CONSEQUENCES Alcohol citations will likely stay on legal record permanently Driver’s license revocation Jail time Damage to vehicle or property Personal injury Death