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Alcohol

 

Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for children, teenagers and adults.

Alcohol is the drug that is most abused by teens. Many have their first drink as early as 11 years of age.

It is easy for children to get the wrong message about alcohol because they might see their parents drinking or watch certain films that make consuming alcohol in large quantities fun. Alcohol is usually present in many social events and as a result children often view it as an ingredient for having fun.

 

What Happens When People Drink?

Alcohol is actually a depressant. This means that alcohol is a drug that slows down or depresses the brain.

Like many drugs, excessive alcohol can change a person's ability to think, speak and see things as they really are.

Alcohol is a depressant. A person might feel relaxed and content during early stages of consumption but it can lead to the user becoming emotional and/or aggressive. However, this is usually dependent on the individual themselves.

Whether you consume alcohol to help you unwind at the end of the day or meeting up for a couple of drinks with friends, alcohol is considered a regular and socially acceptable pleasure for most.

 

Excessive alcohol can make you do things you may regret e.g.

 

  • Do or say things you don't mean.
  • Physically hurt yourself or others.
  • Vomiting - choking on your vomit whilst incapacitated could lead to death.
  • Excessive alcohol can damage your liver.
  • Driving a motor vehicle whilst over the prescribed limit is an offence in law which can lead to arrest.
  • Driving a motor vehicle whilst intoxicated is dangerous and can cause a fatal accident.  

 

 

Medical research has lead to the implementation of alcohol laws, setting age limits in order to safeguard the health and welfare of adolescents. 

 

Should my child drink alcohol?

Children and young people are advised not to drink alcohol before the age of 18.

Alcohol use during the teenage years is related to a wide range of health and social problems.

However, if children do drink alcohol underage, it shouldn't be until they are at least 16 as prescribed in pertinent areas of local laws.

 

Health risks:

  • Drinking alcohol can damage a child's health. It can affect the normal development of vital organs and functions, including the brain, liver, bone growth and hormones.
  • Drinking alcohol before the age of 14 is associated with increased health risks, including alcohol-related injuries, involvement in violence, and suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
  • Drinking at an early age is also associated with risky behaviour such as violence, promiscuous relationships, unwanted pregnancy and consuming drugs.

Advice for parents:

  • Set clear boundaries.
  • Monitor how they spend their pocket money.
  • Note changes in their sleeping patterns.
  • Note changes in their eating habits.
  • Be aware of changes within their peers/friends.
  • Be your childs role model.

 

Talking to your child about alcohol

Advice for parents:

  • Set clear boundaries.
  • Monitor how they spend their pocket money.
  • Note changes in their sleeping patterns.
  • Note changes in their eating habits.
  • Be aware of changes within their peers/friends.
  • Be your childs role model.

 

Talking to your child about alcohol

Talk to your child about the dangers of alcohol consumption e.g.

  • Although legal, alcohol is still a drug and as such inhibits the senses.
  • Explain how alcohol can affect their judgement and lead them to actions they may regret later e.g unprotected sex and the possibility of STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections) or unwanted pregnancy, it can also lead to drink related offences/arrest.
  • Inform them that employers will actively request a copy of any previous convictions.
  • Talk to your teenager about the dangers of drink spiking and how to avoid it.
  • Advise that if they are going to drink they should eat something first. 
  • Suggest that they always have a plan to return home safely if they're planning to drink and ensure they're with friends who they can trust to look after them.
  • Make it clear that you're there for them if they need you, and answer any questions they have.