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 pressureRisk-taking behavior associated with

adolescenceDecreased parental supervision / greater

independenceIncreased stressAdvertising

Effects of alcohol on adolescents

Increases risk-taking behaviorsDecreased academic performanceMay lead to drug useHealth risksBrain 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 abilitiesDecrease 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/e0c295eb031a685e6430e0c295eb031a685e64

30-228061348994?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 driveGet lower grades40% black out as a result of drinking30% have unplanned sex as a result of drinking30% have argued with friends as a result of

drinking

o 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 effectBut studies show that the brain reacts differently

in drinkers than non-drinkers. (Why21.com)

(CAMY, 2010)

(CAMY, 2010)

(CAMY, 2010)

(CAMY, 2010)

(CAMY, 2010)

(CAMY, 2010)

(CAMY, 2010)

Prevention ProgramsEncourage school involvementParents, teachers, role models –

communicate!Provide alcohol-free opportunitiesKnow the risksEnforce the laws

Energy drinksGo 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