ALCOHOL ABUSE

WHAT IS ALCOHOL AND WHAT DOES IT DO TO THE BODY?

• Alcohol is a depressant derived from the fermentation of natural sugars in fruits, vegetables and grains.
• Alcohol slows down your vital functions.
• Short term effects of alcohol abuse: slurred speech, drowsiness, headaches, breathing difficulties.
• Long term effects of alcohol abuse: high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, nerve damage.

CANCERS AND DISEASES CAUSED BY ALCOHOL ABUSE:

• Mouth, esophagus, breast, throat, and liver cancer

SIGNS TO TELL IF SOMEONE HAS BEEN DRINKING:

• Blue-tinged or pale skin
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of coordination
• Unconsciousness

STATISTICS SHOW:

• Alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 are provided by friends & family.
• 90% of alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 is in the form of binge drinks.
• Underage youth drinking is correlated with adult drinking practice.
• 56.2% of current underage drinkers admit their last drink occurred in someone else's house.
• 37% of high school students admit to having binge drank by eighth grade.

WHAT DOES ALCOHOL ABUSE DO TO THE MIND?

• It slows reaction time, which can be very dangerous.
• Low levels of brain cells; can cause aneurisms or strokes.
• Impaired memory
• Clouded judgement
• Increase in anxiety and depression.

STREET NAMES

• Drink
• Booze
• Liquor
• Sauce
• Brew

WHAT IS DRUNK DRIVING?

• The crime of driving a vehicle with an excess of alcohol in the blood.
• A DUI stands for driving under the influence.
• The charge involved with no injury and no property damage is up to 6 months in jail.
• Imagine what the penalty would be if someone was injured or property was damaged.
• A breathalyzer is a device used for estimating blood alcohol content.

RYAN CASEY SAYS: