1. Alcohol and Adolescents

2. http://www. surgeongeneral. gov/topics/underagedrinking/educatorguide

3. Adolescents and alcohol use

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

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

7. 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

8. Binge drinking For males: 5 drinks in one sitting
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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

9. 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)

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