Alcohol and Adolescents

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

Adolescents and alcohol use

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

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

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 http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=1777088n

Binge drinking For males: 5 drinks in one sitting http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/60-minutes-drinking-age-debate/e0c295eb031a685e6430e0c295eb031a685e6430- 228061348994?q=amethyst%20initiative 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

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)

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