Alcohol Awareness “What's so bad about drinking? Everyone does it?!” Some important things to consider... By Miss Markowski

Why should I care? Maine has one of the highest alcohol related death rate in the entire U.S. (Stephens Memorial Hospital, 2006) year olds can develop Alcoholic tendencies in just 5-15 weeks of regular alcohol use year olds can develop Alcoholic tendencies in just 5-15 months Adults will take between 5-15 years of regular alcohol use to have alcoholic tendencies

Alcohol and the Teen Brain The younger the brain is when exposed to alcohol and drugs, the greater the chance of addiction. Alcohol “feels better & tastes better” for teens than adults therefore is more addictive because of the growing brain (Crowley & Whitmore, 2007)

Alcohol and the Teen Brain Regular alcohol use during teen years can cause permanent brain changes and damage Children born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome because their mothers drank while pregnant.

A special note from your Liver Liver is our“detoxification” organ It Processes all drugs & alcohol consumed Liver oxidizes alcohol at a rate of 0.5 – 1 oz /per hour That means roughly 2 hours for EACH shot/drink!

ALCOHOL FACTS depressant slows downAlcohol is a depressant it slows down the Central Nervous System 3 products form: 1.H2O 2.CO2 3. ATP  if not used ?

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) The amount of alcohol in a persons blood. The higher the BAC the greater the effects of alcohol on the body. Legal limit Age 21 and older =.0 __ = ?% Under age 21 =.0 __ = ?%

Main Factors that Affect BAC – Amount of alcohol consumed – Speed at which a person drank the alcohol – Body weight – Percentage of body fat – Gender – Amount of food eaten beforehand – Presence of other drugs in the bloodstream – Age / tolerance

ALCOHOL FACTS coma, respiratory depression, hypothermia, permanent brain damage, paralysis, death At high doses alcohol causes coma, respiratory depression, hypothermia, permanent brain damage, paralysis, death. Blackouts: Blackouts: NOT the same as passing out consciousness  loss of consciousness with excessive amounts of alcohol.  means that a person has reached a very dangerous level of intoxication If someone has blacked out,  turn them on their side  call 911 immediately

Alcohol and Athletics Just 1 night of binge drinking impacts athletic performance  By how much?  It negates _____ days of practice!!! That’s ___ weeks! The damage?  Lung capacity is diminished, reaction time slowed, stregth and speed are reduced (American Athletic Institute)

5 Risk Factors of Teen Alcohol Dependence (Willenbring, 2007) 1. Family history of alcohol dependence increases your risk 4 fold (but you still have choice!) 2. Early, regular stresses like family issues, depression, etc 3. Early drinking of alcohol resulting in poorer school performance, injuries, fights, or ED visits 4. Use of other drugs like marijuana and prescription drug abuse 5. Older siblings that drink

Alcoholism self-test ( 1. Do you drink because you have problems? Or to relax? 2. Do you drink when you get mad at other people, your friends or parents? 3. Do you drink alone? 4. Do you drink more days of the week than you do not drink? 5. Have you ever tried to stop drinking or drink less and fail?

Alcoholism self-test continued 7. Do you gulp down or drink your drinks fast? 8. Do you ever have memory loss due to drinking? 9. Do you lie about your drinking? 10. Do you ever get into trouble when you're drinking? 11. Do you get drunk when you drink, even when you don't mean to? 12. Do you think it's cool to be able to hold your liquor?

What if I said “yes” to one or more? It's time to start thinking about what drinking is doing to your life and the role it plays It doesn't really matter what you've been drinking or how long; it's what alcohol does to you that counts. ok to ask for help It's ok to ask for help  Talk to a guidance counselor, school nurse, social worker or teacher you trust  local AA office

Reach out for help: Tell someone - Substance Abuse counselor here at SHS (Molly Montgomery) - Guidance counselora - Miss Markowski - All administrators

THINKDRINK Please, THINK before you DRINK!

Short Video Clip on Teens and Alcohol