|
|
 |
 |
|
|
Injury Prevention |
|
|
|
Alcohol is called a depressant because of its effects on the brain. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause slurred speech, impair co-ordination, judgement, vision, and decrease inhibitions. When a person is not used to drinking or when large amounts of alcohol are consumed in a short period of time, the effects can be intense and sudden.
What are the risks related to teens and alcohol use?
Injuries
Drinking puts people at risk for falls and other injuries.
When drinking, people may choose to do things that they
would not do when sober, such as driving with someone
who has been drinking, or trying other drugs, or making
unsafe choices about sexual activity.
Most teens know that drinking and driving can lead to
motor vehicle crashes. Regardless of awareness, teens still engage in this behaviour:
- 12% of drivers in grades 10-12 reported drinking and driving in the past year.
- 26% of students reported being a passenger in a car driven by someone who had been drinking.
Binge drinking
Drinking can be risky when people drink too quickly.
This is known as binge drinking:
- Binge drinking is commonly defined as drinking 5 or more standard drinks on one occasion.
- It takes about one hour for the body to process 1 standard drink.
- Drinking 5 or more drinks in a short period of time does not allow the body to process the alcohol or to detoxify the effects of alcohol and therefore increases the risk of getting drunk.
Drinking alcohol can cause a "hangover" (headache, feeling sick, shaking and vomiting). Drinking too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning causes decreased consciousness, slow pulse, blue lips, cool clammy skin and slow breathing. It can progress to death.
Underage drinking and liability
If there is underage drinking in private homes or property, the
homeowner may be held responsible for any damages or injuries.
If the homeowner fails to take action to prevent underage drinking
in their home or on their property, and someone is hurt or dies,
the homeowner will be held legally responsible, which means
being charged and/or sued.
Find out more about liability.
Alcohol can be addictive
Youth who begin using drugs such as alcohol at an early age
(less than 14 years) are 4 times more likely to develop addiction
and other problems later in life.
Problem drinking is any amount of alcohol that interferes with
relationships with friends or family, or interferes with school, work
or mental health.
Teens may know there is a problem but not know where to get help.
If teens need help there are 24-hour phone lines as well as support, information and treatment services to call during business hours.
Recommended resources
Take action! Dealing with alcohol and other drug problems in your family
My kid on drugs: what can I do?
Teens, Alcohol & Marijuana: Stay a Step Ahead
Last updated April 2011
|
|
|
