Choosing Not to Drink A lesson by Mr. Springer

Why Choose Not to Drink? It’s the best way to avoid problems related to alcohol! Potent Dangerous Potentially Destructive Ethanol is the intoxicating ingredient in alcohol. Affects the brain powerfully and quickly. Alcohol can kill and cause other serious health problems. Major factor in car crashes, violent crimes and drowning. Can ruin careers, break up family and lead to tragedy. Ruin opportunity for sports and opportunity secondary school.

Not Drinking is Realistic Although it may be tempting, not drinking is the safest choice. It is Practical It is Responsible The best way to avoid problems with drugs and alcohol is to not use drugs and alcohol. Avoiding drinking is a great way to avoid risk for yourself and others.

Specific Problems It only takes 1 or 2 drinks to change how you think, act and feel! Mood Swings Impulsive Actions Loss of Judgment Alcohol can intensify feelings of depression, jealousy and anger. Drinking can lead to destructive choices. The ability to think clearly fades with drinking. Loss of Coordination Alcohol leads to loss of balance and coordination. Slurred speech and low motor functioning.

Long-Term Problems Continued drinking leads to long-term physical problems. Heart Liver Digestive Tract Increased risk for heart disease and heart failure. Continued damage can lead to Cirrhosis and liver failure. Damage to mouth, throat, stomach and intestines increases risk for cancers. Other Damage Brain damage, blood disorders, loss of sexual function.

Common Myths “People who are emotionally strong do not have to worry about alcohol problems.” “Alcohol can give you energy and confidence.” “You only develop drinking problems from drinking liquor or cheap wine.” “Drinking is the best way to enjoy a party and have a good time.”

Interesting Fact BeerVodka or Whiskey Wine 5% Alcohol by Volume 12 oz % Alcohol by Volume 4 oz. 40% Alcohol by Volume 1.5 oz.

Reasons Not to Drink There are many benefits to not drinking (and make great excuses under peer pressure). Feel Good Enjoy Better Health Avoid Trouble After effects of alcohol feel bad, so not drinking helps you feel good. No alcohol means none of the adverse health effects or empty calories. Underage drinking is against the law, school policy, and many family ideals.

Healthy Options Not drinking gives you time for healthy alternatives. Develop Social Skills Discover New Interests Listen, talk, express yourself and spend time with friends and family. Long-lasting satisfaction from hobbies, sports, music, exercise and new experiences.

Saying No Can Be Hard Issues that may lead one to drink. Familiarity with Use Trouble in School Need to Fit in Alcohol use by family and friends may make it seem normal to drink. Coping with failure and pressures in school. Leads to schoolwork suffering even more. Some use alcohol because their friends do. Some use alcohol because of low self-esteem.

Pressure & Avoidance Recognizing and avoiding situations that may lead to alcohol use is a great way to avoid use. Who What Where Who is there? Are they drinkers? What is everyone doing? Is anyone acting out of character? Where is everyone? Is the place safe? When When is it taking place? Should you be in school or home?

Who? What are they doing? Where are they? When is it?

How to Say No S ay no in a firm voice T ell why not O ffer another idea P romptly leave

Ways to Say No Be Polite Challenge Speaker Use an Excuse State the Facts Switch Topics Offer Another Idea

Our Healthy Alternatives Draw or Write an appropriate and healthy alternative!

Thank You For Listening! To get one's ducks in a row essentially means: To insure all of the small details or elements are accounted for and in their proper positions before embarking on a new project.