What is Alcohol?

Alcohol is created when grains, fruits, or vegetables are fermented. Fermentation is the process
in which yeast or bacteria changes the sugars in food into alcohol. Alcohol has many different
forms and can be used as a cleaner, antiseptic, or a sedative.
How Does it Affect the Body?
Alcohol is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the function of the central nervous
system. This can alter a persons perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing. People
who drank to much may stagger, lose their coordination, have slow reaction times and slur their
speech. They may also become confused and disoriented. When large amounts of alcohol are
consumed in a short amount of time, alcohol poisoning can result. Violent vomiting, sleepiness
in and out of consciousness difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood sugar, seizures and
even death are results of alcohol poisoning
Why do Teens Drink
Teens may drink because they want to experiment, which is common during the teens years.
Some reasons teens use alcohol are: curiosity, they want to fit in, want to feel older, feeling
good, reduce stress, or relax. Teens, ever since they were kids were exposed to good
messages enjoying life with alcohol. Many parents drink socially and teens think it seems
harmless.
Why Shouldnt Teens Drink?
In addition to the possibility to getting addicted, there are many downsides to drinking. Teens
who drink have a high risk of getting into trouble. If you are under the age 21, it is illegal to drink
so if you are caught, you can be arrested. Teens who drink are more likely to get into fights and
commit crimes than teens who dont drink. Drinking alcohol can also cause problems in schoolit can damage a students ability to study well and get good grades, as well as negatively
effecting ones sports performance. Alcohol can also put a teens health at risk. Teens who drink
tend to be more sexually active, which can result in STDs, pregnancy, and changing and even
ending lives. A teen is at risk for injury when they are under the influence. The use of alcohol
greatly increases the chance a teen will be involved in a vehicle accident, homicide, suicide, and

drowning. A study at the University of Washington was done, which found that people who
regularly had five or more drinks starting at age 13, were more likely to be overweight or have
high blood pressure by the age of 24. Teens who start early and continue to drink heavily, will
later have a risk of damaging major organs such as the liver, heart, and brain.
What is BAC?
BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Content, and is measured in three ways: Breath (Breathalyzer),
Urine, and Blood Samples, which are the most accurate.

What are the Long Term Effects of Drinking?

There are many long-term effects of drinking. Alcohol impairs many different organs and body
functions. For example, alcohol can cause the pancreas to stop producing insulin. This can
cause the body to stop absorbing glucose, or sugar into the body, disrupting the function of
cells. Liver disease, also known as cirrhosis, can also occur after long-term drinking. Liver
damage weakens the bodys defenses against infections. The worst effect of long-term drinking
is high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Another effect of long-term drinking is cancer. There are six types of cancer directly related to
alcohol abuse; mouth, throat, lung, liver, pancreas, and the rectum. Additional long-term effects
of alcohol abuse is: abnormal changes in the blood; kidney, bladder, and gland damage; lung
damage, which can lead to the flu, pneumonia, or tuberculosis; and lastly muscle shrinkage.
Where Can I Get Help?
There are many different organizations that help teens, alcoholics, and families. Alcohol
Anonymous (AA) is a treatment organization that consists of alcoholics who share their personal
experience to help one another resist the urge to drink. Al-Anon is a support group that helps
family members of alcoholics. Alateen is an organization that helps teens who have an alcoholic
family member
Statistics
1. 42% of fatal car crashes are alcohol-related
2. Almost 80% of high school students have tried alcohol
3. 40% of suicide attempts are alcohol-related
4. 54% of violent crimes are alcohol-related
5. 60% of emergency room admissions are alcohol-related
6. About 1 in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at
some time in their life
7. An estimated 513,000 are injured in alcohol-related crashes each year
Sources
Alcohol Awareness Week Logo- http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sub/images/AAWlogo-web.jpg
MADD Logo- http://media.mwcradio.com/mimesis/2013-08/30/MADD_jpg_475x310_q85.jpg
Alcohol Mini Packet

What Teens Need To Know About Alcohol Packet