Transcript W10 Alcohol
Alcohol and Adolescents
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/underagedrinking/educatorguide.pdf
Adolescents and alcohol use
Why do youth choose to drink?
Peer pressure
Risk-taking behavior associated with adolescence
Decreased parental supervision / greater independence
Increased stress
Effects of alcohol on adolescents
Increases risk-taking behaviors
Decreased academic performance
May lead to drug use
Health risks
Brain development
Alcohol and brain development
Teen’s brain more easily damaged by alcohol than an
adult’s brain
More likely to have significantly lower mental abilities
Decrease ability to learn
Hippocampus is smaller
Loss of motor skills
Binge drinking
For males: 5 drinks in one sitting
For females: 4 drinks in one sitting
Those who binge drink:
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
Harvard School of Public Health
Alcohol advertising
“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)
Adolescents do not feel that advertising has an effect
But studies show that the brain reacts differently in drinkers
than non-drinkers. (Why21.com)
Prevention Programs
Encourage school involvement
Parents, teachers, role models – communicate!
Provide alcohol-free opportunities
Know the risks
Enforce the laws