180 likes | 293 Views
Alcohol & Adolescents. http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/underagedrinking/educatorguide.pdf. Adolescents and alcohol use. (Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth, 2010). In Oregon …. Why do youth choose to drink?. Similar to tobacco… Peer pressure
E N D
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/underagedrinking/educatorguide.pdfhttp://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/underagedrinking/educatorguide.pdf
Adolescents and alcohol use (Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth, 2010)
Why do youth choose to drink? • Similar to tobacco… • Peer pressure • Risk-taking behavior associated with adolescence • Decreased parental supervision / greater independence • Increased stress • Advertising
Effects of alcohol on adolescents • Increases risk-taking behaviors • Decreased academic performance • May lead to drug use • Health risks • Brain development
Alcohol and brain development • Teen’s brain more easily damaged by alcohol than an adult’s brain • More likely to have significantly lower mental abilities • Decrease ability to learn • Hippocampus is smaller • Loss of motor skills • http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=1777088n
Binge drinking • http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/60-minutes-drinking-age-debate/e0c295eb031a685e6430e0c295eb031a685e6430-228061348994?q=amethyst%20initiative • For males: 5 drinks in one sitting • For females: 4 drinks in one sitting • Those who binge drink: • 10x more likely to drink and drive • Get lower grades • 40% black out as a result of drinking • 30% have unplanned sex as a result of drinking • 30% have argued with friends as a result of drinking • Harvard School of Public Health
Alcohol advertising • “Research clearly indicates that alcohol advertising and marketing also have a significant effect by influencing youth and adult expectations and attitudes, and helping to create an environment that promotes underage drinking.” (Center for Alcohol Marketing and Youth, 2010) • Adolescents do not feel that advertising has an effect • But studies show that the brain reacts differently in drinkers than non-drinkers. (Why21.com)
Prevention Programs • Encourage school involvement • Parents, teachers, role models – communicate! • Provide alcohol-free opportunities • Know the risks • Enforce the laws
Energy drinks • Go hand-in-hand with alcohol use. • What is the concern? • Health effects? • Solutions? http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Four+Loko&view=detail&id=3424CF8CBE0441D380C35EA0949C9EBE2B4EECB4&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR