Alcohol and you

Deciding whether to drink and how much to drink is a personal decision that we each have to make. Therefore it's good to be informed about some things so you can make up your own opinion.

Alcohol is the most common drug among teens.
Even though it is illegal for teens to drink, it is still easy to obtain.

• What does the law say?
• Why do teens drink?
• Why do some drink more than others?
• What are the effects of drinking alcohol?
• Can alcohol have positive effects?
• What can you do to prevent yourself from drinking too much?

What does the law say?

Different states and different countries have different laws. Therefore you must check the law in the state/country where you live in.

The law in South Australia, for example, says:

1. No alcohol is to be sold to a person under 18 years of age
2. If you are on "L" or "P" plates you are not allowed to drink at all when driving
3. You are never allowed to drive when you are over the prescribed blood alcohol level (0.05% in South Australia)

Why do teens drink?

1. They want to fit in with their peers
2. It makes them "feel good"
3. Because others make them drink
4. They want to forget their problems
5. It makes them feel that they can deal with stress
6. Because they are curious
7. To rebel or take risks

Why do some drink more than others?

Some teens are more likely to drink than others. Factors that can make people drink more include:

1. Mental or emotional problems (people suffering from anxiety or depression are more likely to drink than others)
2. A family history of alcohol (in families where adults drink children are likely to drink more)
3. Home environment (people from families where parents are not involved in their children's lives are more likely to drink more than others)
4. Trauma (experiencing violence and/or abuse or going through other traumatic events, makes it more likely for teens to drink alcohol)

What are the effects of drinking alcohol?

Young people who drink a lot are at risk. Drinking too much lead to:

1. More involvement in fighting
2. More involvement in crimes
3. The use of other drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine
4. An increased risk of suicide
5. An increased risk of depression
6. A higher chance of being sexually abused (mainly girls)
7. Problems at school or work
8. An involvement in car accidents

Long term health effects can include heart and liver damage, different kinds of cancer, sexual impotence, sleeping problems, concentration and memory problems.

Can alcohol have positive effects?

Alcohol, in small amounts, can make people feel more relaxed and do things they would normally never do. Studies have shown that a very small amount of alcohol can reduce the risk of heart and circulation problems and can help avoid gallstones. "A very small amount' means less than one standard drink for women and 1-2 for men. However the effects of drinking too much can bring a lot more negative outcomes to your body and life than positive.

What can you do to prevent yourself from drinking too much?

1. Learn how to say 'NO'
2. Count your drinks
3. Drink water in between
4. Don't try to keep up with others who drink
5. Have 'alcohol free' days
6. Decide how much you want to drink and stick to it
7. Learn more about drinking