1. Quick Facts About Alcohol

2. QUICK FACTS… Used to excess, alcohol affects every system in the body Alcohol abuse can have devastating effects on family, job/school performance, society, and public safety Alcohol interferes with fetal development In 1999 – 6,374 young people died in alcohol related vehicle crashes People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until age 21 Adolescents who use alcohol are more likely to become sexually active at an earlier age, to have sex more often and to engage in unprotected sex which places them at greater risk for HIV infection & other STD’s

3. QUICK FACTS… Adolescents who use alcohol are at a greater risk of developing cirrhosis, pancreatitis, stroke & certain forms of cancer. Alcohol use among adolescents has been associated with considering planning, attempting & completing suicide. (Research does not indicate that drinking causes suicide behavior, only that the 2 behaviors are correlated). Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to serious and permanent brain damage in the unborn child. This can result in mental retardation & severe emotional problems as the child grows up.

4. QUICK FACTS… A low dosage of alcohol will damage an adolescent’s brain, which is linked to a reduce ability to learn. Students that are alcohol abusers are four more times likely to experience major depression than those without an alcohol problem. Effects of chronic abuse lead to problems with mind and behavior, CNS, heart, brain, lungs, liver, stomach, sexual organs & other risks.

5. WHY DO PEOPLE USE ALCOHOL? Peer Pressure Curiosity Boredom Relax Have fun Be more social Escape from problems Addiction