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ALCOHOL + TEENS
RISKS + EFFECTS
TEENS
When you binge drink, sometimes a hangover is the least of your problems.
Teens’ brains work differently. That’s something we all know. Here’s something you may not know. Alcohol interferes with proper adolescent brain development.
Translation? Teen alcohol abuse does more damage than when adults drink.
TEENS WHO DRINK INCREASE THEIR RISK OF:
- Developing an alcohol use disorder
- Learning and memory problems, including poor school performance
- Injury
- Sexual assault
- Death
Hard drinking carries serious risks.
If you’ve consumed up to 5 drinks in about 2 hours you’ve been binge drinking. And the more you drink, the greater the consequences.
The list of ill effects involved with binge drinking is long.
THE EFFECTS INCLUDE:
- Reduced inhibitions
- Slurred speech
- Motor impairment
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
- Alcohol poisoning
- Breathing problems
- Car crashes and other accidents
- Risky behavior
- Violent behavior
- Suicide and homicide
- Coma
- Death
WARNING SIGNS
TEENS
Binge drinking is a risk factor for addiction.
Reaching the conclusion that your teen has a problem is a challenge. The family dynamic is tested, and your teen can often lash out — like anyone else — when they’re threatened or judged.
HERE ARE SOME WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR TEEN MAY BE DEVELOPING AN ADDICTION TO ALCOHOL:
Poor performance at school
Relying on drugs or alcohol to relax or have fun
Drinking while alone
Withdrawing from family and friends
Loss of interest in favorite activities
Lying, stealing or selling things to get money for alcohol
LAWS + PENALTIES
TEENS
THE LAW + TEENAGE DRINKING
If you’re a teen in possession of alcohol, drinking, or trying to obtain or purchase any alcoholic beverage, here are the legal consequences.
- Fines up to $500
- Up to 40 hours community service
- A suspended license for 30 days up to a full year
FAKE ID
If you have a fake ID or borrow someone else’s ID, you can receive a fine up to $1,000 as well as up to one year in jail. Loaning your ID to a minor can result in the same punishment.
If you have a fake ID or borrow someone else’s ID, you can receive a fine up to $1,000 as well as up to one year in jail. Loaning your ID to a minor can result in the same punishment.
DRINKING + DRIVING
In Kansas, there is zero tolerance for teens driving drunk. When you operate or even attempt to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .02 or above, your driving privileges can be suspended for up to one year (.08 for drivers over 21).
In Kansas, there is zero tolerance for teens driving drunk. When you operate or even attempt to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .02 or above, your driving privileges can be suspended for up to one year (.08 for drivers over 21).
ALCOHOL + ADULTS
RISKS + EFFECTS
ADULTS
Sometimes rock bottom is a pretty bright place.
Don’t wait for devastating consequences to convince you you’re not in control.
DRINKING TOO MUCH TAKES A TOLL ON YOUR BODY AS WELL AS YOUR BRAIN, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF:
- High blood pressure
- Ischemic stroke
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Liver diseases
- Cancers of the mouth, esophagus,
pharynx, larynx, liver, throat, colon, breast - Alcoholism
- Mental health issues like depression
and anxiety - Learning and memory problems,
including dementia - Social issues, including unemployment
and family conflict
Hard drinking carries serious risks.
THE EFFECTS INCLUDE:
- Reduced inhibitions
- Slurred speech
- Motor impairment
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
- Alcohol poisoning
- Breathing problems
- Car crashes and other accidents
- Risky behavior
- Violent behavior
- Suicide and homicide
- Coma
- Death
WARNING SIGNS
ADULTS
Alcoholism can often be hard to spot.
Objectivity is difficult. Emotions run high, and denial is a formidable factor while you’re trying to diagnose a loved one. Diagnosing yourself is even more difficult. With that in mind, here’s a questionnaire that can help you assess your potential addiction.
| If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, give yourself a “1”. No answers score a “0”.  |
| Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking? |
| Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? |
| Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking? |
| Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover? |
| A total score of “2” or greater is considered a clinically significant alcohol problem. |
LAWS + PENALTIES
ADULTS
DRINKING + DRIVING
Police may request a preliminary breath test if they have reasonable grounds to believe you have been drinking. Fail on your first offense, and you can receive:
- Up to six months in jail
- Community service
- Driver’s license suspended up to one year, plus additional restricted driving
- Substance abuse treatment
BUYING ALCOHOL FOR A MINOR
When you buy for, sell to, give or make alcohol available to a minor, you’re in for a minimum fine of $200.
When you buy for, sell to, give or make alcohol available to a minor, you’re in for a minimum fine of $200.
HOSTING A PARTY WITH ALCOHOL
Throw a party with alcohol, and you can face a minimum of a $1,000 fine along with up to one year in jail. If kids are partying at your house and there’s alcohol, you’re still in trouble, even if you don’t provide it.
Throw a party with alcohol, and you can face a minimum of a $1,000 fine along with up to one year in jail. If kids are partying at your house and there’s alcohol, you’re still in trouble, even if you don’t provide it.
ORGANIZATIONS THAT CAN HELP
RESOURCES
HELP FOR TEENS & THEIR PARENTS
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