Tips for Teens About
Alcohol
Quick Facts
- Know the Law. Alcohol is illegal to buy or possess if you are under 21.
- Get the facts right. One 12-ounce beer has as much alcohol as a
1.5-ounce shot of whiskey or a 5-ounce glass of wine.
- Stay informed. Wine coolers look like juice sparklers but they have
just as much alcohol as a 12-ounce beer.
- Be aware of the risks. Drinking increases the risk of injury. Car
crashes, falls, burns, drowning, and suicide are all linked to alcohol and other drug use.
- Keep your edge. Alcohol can ruin your looks, give you bad breath, and
increase your weight.
- Play it safe. Drinking can lead to intoxication and even death.
- Do the smart thing. Drinking puts your health, education, family ties,
and social life at risk.
- Be a real friend. If you know someone with a drinking problem, be a
part of the solution. Urge your friend to get help.
- Remain alert. Stay clear of claims that alcohol means glamour and
adventure. Stay clear on what's real and what's an illusion.
- Sweep away the myths. Having a designated driver is no excuse to drink.
Drinking only at home, or sticking only to beer does not make drinking any
"safer."
Over 30 percent of teenagers aged 14-17 have used alcohol and other drugs and paid the
consequences: arrests, highway crashes, DWIs, health problems, and impaired school and job
performance. A significant number of these teens have determined that they are alcoholics
and are getting help through Alcoholics Anonymous. In a 1989 survey of AA groups in the
U.S. and Canada, 3% - over 30,000 - of those surveyed were under 21.
Alcoholism is a disease - just like diabetes or high blood pressure. It can make people
do things that later bring remorse or embarrassment. But having the disease is nothing to
be ashamed of.
Long term effects of heavy alcohol use include loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies,
stomach ailments, skin problems, sexual impotence, liver damage, heart and nervous system
damage, and memory loss.
Alcohol blocks the messages going to your brain and alters your perceptions and
emotions, vision, hearing, and coordination.
Drinking can cause serious injuries and death - over 38% of drownings are alcohol -
related.
How do I Know If I Have a Drinking Problem?
Chances are if you are even asking the question, you have a drinking problem. But here
are some other factors:
- Inability to control your drinking - it seems that regardless of what you decide
beforehand, you frequently wind up drunk
- Using alcohol to escape your problems
- Changing from your usual reserved character into "the life of the party"
- A change in personality - does drinking turn you from Dr. Jekyl to Mr. Hyde?
- A high tolerance level - you can drink just about everybody under the table
- Blackouts - sometimes you don't remember what happened when you were drinking
- Problems at work or in school as a result of drinking
If you have a drinking problem, or if you suspect you have a drinking problem, there
are many others out there like you, and there is help available. Talk to a school
counselor, a friend, or a parent, and check the resources
section for more information.
If You Suspect A Friend Has a Drinking Problem
- Don't be judgmental or preachy - remember, alcoholism is a disease
- Be willing to listen
- Voice your concern about your friend's drinking - but don't ever do it when your friend
is under the influence!
- Offer your help - got to an AA meeting with your friend or offer to get him/her
educational materials
- Be encouraging and positive if your friend takes some initiative.
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