1. Lesson One: Why Alcohol is Harmful

2. What is Alcohol?
Alcohol is a drug that is produced by a chemical reaction in fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Beer, Wine, Liquor, etc.

3. Alcohol Changes Behavior
Alcohol affects the brain and Central Nervous System, causing changes in behavior.
Depressants- drugs that slow down the body’s functions and reactions.
Small amounts can affect how a person feels and behaves.
Some become relaxed and friendly, others become depressed and angry.

5. Alcohol Use and Teens
A teen’s body and mind are still growing and developing.
Research has shown alcohol use can interfere with long-term and short-term growth.
Alcohol also increases the risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts and violence.

6. Risks of Alcohol Use to Teens
Alcohol Use and Teens
Alcohol increases the risk of depression, suicide, and thoughts of violence.
Alcohol interferes with long- and short-term growth.
Alcohol harms the brain’s ability to learn, causing teens to fall behind in school.
Risks of Alcohol Use to Teens
Teens who drink risk getting into trouble with the law.
One third of all teen traffic deaths are related to alcohol.
Alcohol increases the risk of social problems.

7. Reasons Not to Drink Just say No” – popular phrase.
Choosing not to drink is a healthy choice.
Drinking to fit in with others is a popular reason to drink, but most teens don’t drink.
If you choose not to drink, you will already be fitting in with most of your peers.

8. Important Reasons Not to Drink
You are risking your health when you drink
Alcohol is against the law for teens.
You should want to make decisions that will help you become a strong person.
Teens who stay alcohol-free are better able to handle the challenges of everyday life.

9. Alcohol is one of the biggest factors in teen traffic deaths.

10. Is it worth it?

11. Alternatives to Alcohol
Alternatives- other ways of thinking or acting.
What are some alternatives to drinking alcohol?
Sports, music, church, etc.
Learning new skills, discovering a new talent, challenging your body, and being a part of a team are all good alternatives.

13. What are your alternatives to drinking alcohol?
List 3…