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Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances in America. While the legal drinking age in all states is 21 years old, teenagers often find ways to obtain alcohol. Alcohol use during adolescence increases the likelihood of developing alcoholism during adulthood. The best way to reduce the prevalence of alcoholism is delaying when students first drink alcohol.
Below is data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey showing the prevalence of drinking among high school students in Franklin County. 26% of high school students in Franklin County currently consume alcohol on a regular basis.
Alcohol has several negative effects on teenagers including:
Brain Damage- Alcohol damages areas of the brain that control thought processes, memory functions, emotional regulation, planning and organizing, and inhibition.
Vehicle Accidents- Drunk driving killed over 13,000 people in 2022 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Alcoholism- Alcohol use during adolescence increases the risk of developing alcoholism in adulthood.
Risk taking behaviors- Alcohol use is associated with greater risk taking behaviors because it reduces the user's inhibitions. Many people make decisions under the influence of alcohol they would not normally otherwise.
Injuries- Alcohol use leads to nearly 200,000 emergency room visits each year.
Other problems- Alcohol use is associated with poor school performance, violent behaviors, and legal issues.
Myths about alcohol
Myths about alcohol
Despite how common alcohol use is in our society, it poses a significant danger. It's important to understand the risks of alcohol consumption. It's also important to challenge myths about alcohol that many people believe to be true.
Myth #1: If I hold a job and/or do well in school, I can't possibly be an alcoholic.
Answer: False. Alcoholism can impact anyone isn't defined by how successful you are in school or work. Alcoholism is defined by 1. Drinking alcohol in larger quantities 2. Struggling to reduce alcohol use 3. Building a tolerance to alcohol 4. Needing alcohol to feel okay.
Myth #2: It's okay to provide my child with alcohol if I monitor their behavior.
Answer: False. Providing alcohol to any minor is illegal. Alcohol use is also harmful to the body, especially for teenagers.
Myth #3: I can drink alcohol and still be in control.
Answer: False. Alcohol reduces the inhibitions of anyone who consumes it. Alcohol reduces your control over your actions.
Myth #4: If I drink too much, coffee and a shower can sober me up.
Answer: False. The only thing that can help with sobriety is time. Your body takes time to metabolize alcohol. Nothing will speed that up.
is it true that alcohol causes cancer?
is it true that alcohol causes cancer?
YES! Alcohol use is linked to seven different types of cancer including: Mouth, Throat, Larynx (voice box), Colon/Rectum, Esophagus, Liver, Breast. Here is how alcohol causes cancer...
Resources to help quit drinking
Resources to help quit drinking
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