The truth about alcohol

What is Alcohol?

• Is a drug
• Is a depressant
• Distorts judgement
• Can lose control of body on overdose

Young People vs. Adults

• Teens have a 4 times more likely to have a alcohol addiction
• Adults can cope with alcohol better then teens
• Alcohol can have a bigger effect on teens
• Harms brain growth in teens more than adults

What is binge drinking

• Definition: Drinking a lot of alcohol
• Men: 5 or more
• Women: 4 or more

What is alcoholism

• Cravings: strong need to drink
• Loss of control: not able to stop drinking
• Physical dependence: sweating, nausea, shacking,
• Tolerance: the need to drink more to get high

Short term affects

• Slurred speech
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Breathing difficulties
• Impaired judgement

Long term affects

• Unintentional injuries
• Intentional injuries
• Increased social problems
• Liver disease
• Brain damage