Knowing the Risks Alcohol and drug use may cause people to lose control and act in ways they later regret Relationships may become strained

Physical Consequences Loss of physical coordination, difficulty walking, running dancing, and playing sports Muscle twitches and cramps Decreased endurance Reduced strength Lowered energy level Slowed reflexes

Drinking and Driving One alcoholic drink can slow reaction time It impairs judgment and interferes with decision making The more someone drinks the more dangerous they are behind a wheel 50% of all fatal accidents involve alcohol 1995 – alcohol related deaths were the number one cause of death for year old

Drinking and Driving

The Effects on Others Pregnant woman who uses drugs or alcohol can cause disease and birth defects in her unborn child Fetal Alcohol syndrome – causes delays in development and psychological and behavioral problems throughout life

Mental and Emotional Consequences Ability to think and learn are effected Serious emotional consequences –Addiction –Depression –poor judgment –Anxiety –Irritability –Confusion –Loss of memory

Social Consequences Involvement in alcohol and drugs also leads to problems in social relationships User may lose control of behavior and do things that they later regret Abuser becomes obsesses with alcohol or drugs Lose interest in family, friends, personal hygiene Stop seeing friends and get involved with others that are obsessed with drugs or alcohol

Risks in School May be late or miss school Get bad grades Lose the chance to play sports because of missed practices Let down classmates or teammates because of poor performance Lose opportunities to learn new skills and develop their abilities

Risks to Family May become violent or hurt other family members Spend more time away from home, lie and be moody or unpredictable If parents abuse drugs, they cannot fulfill their obligations to their children or provide emotional support May lose jobs

Risks to Family Teens who abuse drugs may disappoint parents Usually fail to meet their family responsibilities Alcohol and drugs abuse may even cause a family to break up

Risks With the Law Teens who use alcohol or drugs often get into serious trouble with the law Breaking the law can lead to arrest, fines or time spent I a detention center It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or use alcohol Adults who sell alcohol to underage individuals are also breaking the law