Transcript W10 Alcohol

Alcohol and Adolescents
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/underagedrinking/educatorguide.pdf
Adolescents and alcohol use
Why do youth choose to drink?
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Peer pressure
Risk-taking behavior associated with adolescence
Decreased parental supervision / greater independence
Increased stress
Effects of alcohol on adolescents
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Increases risk-taking behaviors
Decreased academic performance
May lead to drug use
Health risks
Brain development
Alcohol and brain development
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Teen’s brain more easily damaged by alcohol than an
adult’s brain
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More likely to have significantly lower mental abilities
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Decrease ability to learn
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Hippocampus is smaller
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Loss of motor skills
Binge drinking
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For males: 5 drinks in one sitting
For females: 4 drinks in one sitting
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Those who binge drink:
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10x more likely to drink and drive
Get lower grades
40% black out as a result of drinking
30% have unplanned sex as a result of drinking
30% have argued with friends as a result of drinking
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Harvard School of Public Health
Alcohol advertising
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“Research clearly indicates that alcohol advertising and
marketing also have a significant effect by influencing
youth and adult expectations and attitudes, and helping to
create an environment that promotes underage drinking.”
(Center for Alcohol Marketing and Youth, 2010)
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Adolescents do not feel that advertising has an effect
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But studies show that the brain reacts differently in drinkers
than non-drinkers. (Why21.com)
Prevention Programs
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Encourage school involvement
Parents, teachers, role models – communicate!
Provide alcohol-free opportunities
Know the risks
Enforce the laws