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Middle School
Is Alcohol a Drug?
Yes, alcohol is a drug.
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream
where it is carried to the rest of the body. Alcohol
acts as a depressant and because it is a drug and a depressant it can damage your
body and mind.
Alcohol can affect:
Heart/cardiovascular system – alcohol causes small blood vessels beneath
the skin to open wider. The widening of blood vessels causes heat loss and
drops in body temperature which can lead to hypothermia. Additionally, alcohol
causes dizziness, headaches, trembling and increases your heart rate.
Brain
– alcohol depresses the central nervous system. It causes depression, poor
coordination and balance, lack of concentration, reduced reflexes, vision, reason
and judgment.
Stomach/intestines – There is an increase in the acid in the stomach
which leads to irritation of the stomach and intestinal walls, stomach aches, diarrhea
and vomiting.
What you should think about before taking
that first drink! Stop Before you Start.
Words to Live By
Choices Consequences Death Life Think Future
Leader Follower Inspire Influence Bad Role Model Good
Role Model Responsible Irresponsible
Some kids drink:
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--To fit in because they are unpopular |
--Want to try it |
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--Mad at parents or adults |
--Pressured by friends |
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--Because friends are doing it
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--Escape
from thing that makes them unhappy |
Results of drinking alcohol:
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--Reduce your learning abilities |
--Bad grades |
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--Health problems |
--Look stupid in front of your
friends |
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--Drug Addiction |
--Join in crimes |
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--Start fights |
--Drop out of school |
What do you do when your peers try to get
you to drink by putting you down, calling you names, saying “one drink is not going
to hurt”, talk about you or reject you?
Remember, there are no “safe” alcohol drinks
for kids and it is against the laws to drink alcohol under age 21. It is also
against the law for parent/adults to provide alcohol to anyone under 21, even in
your own house. They can go to jail.
When you are approached by someone providing you alcohol, remember the Words to Live
By and
Stand firm in saying “No”
or “No, thank you”
 Tell them alcohol is not
your thing
“I don’t want to – do
you have a soda?
Why do you keep asking
me when I already told you “no”?
Don’t avoid a “no” by:
- Changing
the subject
- Mumbling
- Staying
away from the issue
- Saying
“no” softly
- Acting
wimpy
Concerned about you or your friend drinking alcohol,
tell a parent, school counselor or a trusted adult.
Alcohol and Drug Council of North Carolina
3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 204
Durham,
NC 27707
1-800-688-4232
www.alcoholdrughelp.org
Resources:
www.thecoolspot.gov
www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/youth/youth.aspx
www.4girls.gov/substance/alcohol.htm
www.nacoa.org/kidspage.htm
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