By: Nathan Zechman

Underage Drinking

No one will see the answer you give except me

Anonymous Hand Raising

Underage drinking - major public health problem Alcohol - most used/abused drug by youth in U.S. more

than tobacco & drugs Illegal - 12-20 yrs 11% of all alcohol consumed in U.S.90% of that alcohol, consumed by binge drinkingUnderage drinkers consume more drinks than adults190,000 ER visits for underage drinking injuries/yr

Introduction to Underage Drinking

School problems - higher absence, poor grades

Social problems - fighting, activity participation

Legal problems - arrest; DUI, assault Unwanted, unplanned, unprotected sexual

activityHigher risk for suicide and homicideAbuse of other drugsDeath

Underage Drinking

Alcohol – CNS depressant, think, speak, move slowerCerebral cortex - slows info from sensesFrontal lobes - hard to control emotions & urgesHippocampus - trouble rememberingCerebellum - coordination, shaky hands, loss of

balanceBlood pressure, hunger, thirst, urge to urinate

increaseBody temperature and heart rate decreaseHangover - headache, nausea, dehydration,

dizziness, fatigueDuring pregnancy = fetal alcohol syndrome =

mental retardation & physical abnormalities

Health Issues: Short Term Effects

Damage the frontal lobes foreverFrontal lobes - important for planning, forming

ideas, making decisions, using self-controlDamage hippocampus - hard to learn and hold on to

knowledgePermanent damage to vital organs - brain and liverAddiction/alcoholism

Health Issues: Long Term Effects

PhysicalWithdrawal symptoms - severe anxiety, tremors,

diarrhea, hallucinations, convulsionsPsychological

CravingsOvercome by desire for alcohol, lie & stealNo longer fun - depend on it Life centered on alcohol - Not a choice

Addiction

User consequences = Criminal recordSupplier consequences = Felony to knowingly

provide alcohol to minorsDrinking and driving

DUI = BAC .08% breath, blood or urine testUnder 21 .02 % BAC = DUI penaltiesDUI = mandatory suspension of driving license,

classes, treatmentVehicle confiscationIgnition interlock deviceFines or incarceration

The Law

Advertisements Targeting teensTeens want to feel grown upAds make drinking look cool, popular, friendsTo generate sales - makes products look

appealing

Media’s Role

Societal normAlcohol is more available in Europe = more

kids drinkEurope = more underage drunkenness, injury,

rape, school problems than U.S. Mexico – drinking age 18Germany – 16Jamaica - none

Other Countries

“Why drink when we could…”

Affective Alternatives to Alcohol

Station 1: Alcohol BallThrow ball back and forth with partnerThen spin 10 times, squint eyes

Station 2: wRITE tHE sENTENCE Neatly write “I promise I will never drink and drive”spin 10 times, squint eyes

Station 3: Nuts my BoltOne partner screw/unscrew nut & boltWear gloves - loss of fine motor skills when inebriated

Learning Activity

One health problem associated with underage drinking

One thing a person can get involved in besides underage drinking

Why is it important to not drink and drive?

Check for Understanding

Any Questions?

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The Truth About Drinking