kids and alcohol for grades 5, 6, 7 and 8

KIDS AND ALCOHOLFOR GRADES 5, 6, 7, AND 8

CREATED BY H. STALLARD JANUARY 2010hstallard@yahoo.com

ALCOHOL IS A DRUG

A drug is a chemical that has an effect on the body and is not a food.

ALCOHOL

BEER

WINE

WHISKEY

How does alcohol affect people?

A  small amount of alcohol can make the person feel relaxed.

With more alcohol, people cannot control their behavior…they may do silly things.

With more alcohol

They become clumsy and uncoordinated.

With more alcohol

They can become violent.

With more alcohol

They are not in full control of their minds and bodies, and they are not able to think clearly

or to make good choices.

They do things that they would never do when they are sober.

When large amounts of alcohol are consumed in a short period of time,

alcohol poisoning can result.

SYMPTOMS OFALCOHOL POISONING

Violent vomiting is usually the first symptom of alcohol poisoning.

OTHER SIGNS OFALCOHOL POISONING

Extreme sleepiness Unconsciousness Difficulty breathing Dangerously low blood sugar Seizures and even death

How does alcohol affect people?

Heavy use of alcohol can lead to addiction.(alcoholism).

Short-term effects of drinking• distorted vision, hearing, and coordination• altered perceptions and emotions• impaired judgment, which can lead to

accidents, drowning, and other risky behaviors • bad breath• hangovers

With too much alcohol a person can pass out

long-term effects of drinking• cirrhosis and cancer of the liver• loss of appetite• serious vitamin deficiencies• stomach ailments• heart and central nervous system damage• memory loss• high risk for overdosing (alcohol poisoning)

Alcohol is a factor in about one-half of all fatal traffic collisions in the United States.

Alcohol-related accidents are the leading cause of death among American teenagers.

WHY YOUNG PEOPLE DRINK ALCOHOL

All the ads about alcohol show people having fun, surrounded by friends, and give the

message that drinking alcohol is super cool.

WHAT THE ADS DON’T TELL YOU

WHY YOUNG PEOPLE DRINK ALCOHOL

They are curious.

They want to be accepted and belong.

Their friends are doing it.

It makes them feel older.

They want to rebel.

They are bored.

UNDERAGE DRINKING

To legally drink alcohol in Virginia you must be at least 21 years old.

Underage drinking is a Class I misdemeanor. If convicted you will be ordered to pay a

mandatory minimum fine of $500 or ordered to perform a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of community service.

In wise County, court ordered community service is usually road side trash pick up

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

To drink or not to drink…that is the question.