Did you know alcohol is a drug? It is a depressant that affects the central nervous system and it can be just as harmful to you as illegal drugs. It affects virtually every organ in the body and chronic use can lead to numerous preventable diseases, including alcoholism. Today, alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug by teens.
Short Term
Alcohol misuse can lead to the following short term effects: initially decreased blood pressure; it thins the blood; it can lead to impotence; overuse can lead to vomiting and unconsciousness.
Long Term
Cirrhosis of the liver, mouth and throat cancer, gastritis, pancreatic, weakened muscle fiber, memory loss, alcohol dependence, and death.
 |
|
Teenagers can rapidly become addicted to alcohol because a young person’s liver metabolizes alcohol faster than an adult’s. Teens may build up a tolerance to the drug, needing more and more alcohol to achieve the same effect.
Staff Resources
