The Truth About Alcohol

GET THE FACTS…

Alcohol affects the brain

Drinking can lead to a loss of coordination, poor judgment, slow reflexes, distorted vision, memory lapses and even black outs.

Alcohol affects your self control

Alcohol can depress your central nervous system, lower your inhibitions and impair your judgment. Drinking can lead to risky behaviors such as driving when you shouldn’t or having unprotected sex.

Alcohol can kill you

Drinking large amounts of alcohol at one time or very rapidly can cause alcohol poisoning, which can lead to coma or even death. Driving and drinking can also be deadly.

Alcohol can hurt you-even if you’re not the one drinking

If you’re around people who are drinking you have an increased risk of being seriously injured, involved in car crashes, or affected by violence. At the very least, you may have to deal with people who are sick, out of control, or unable to rake care of themselves.

BEFORE YOU RISK IT…

Get the facts

It is illegal to buy or possess alcohol if you are under 18. One drink can make you fail a breath test. “Binge” drinking means having five or more drinks on one occasion.

Know the risks

Alcohol is a drug. Mixing it with any other drug can be extremely dangerous. The combination  of alcohol and medication can damage your liver. Alcohol mixed with other drugs can cause nausea, vomiting , fainting, heart problems and difficulty breathing. Mixing alcohol and drugs can also lead to coma and death.

Keep your edge

Alcohol is a depressant, or downer, because it reduces brain activity. If you are depressed before you start drinking, alcohol can make you feel worse.

KNOW THE SIGNS…

How can you tell if a friend has a drinking problem?

Some times it’s tough to tell. But there are signs you can look for. If your friend has one or more of the following warning signs, he or she may have a problem with alcohol:

Getting drunk on a regular basis

Lying about how much alcohol he or she is using

Believing that alcohol is necessary to have fun

Having frequent hangovers

Feeling run-down, depressed or even suicidal

Having “black-outs”-forgetting what he or she did while drinking

What can you do to help someone who has a drinking problem?

Be a friend. You might even save a life. Encourage your friend to stop or seek professional help.

For further information call the 24 hour Substance Abuse Tollfree Helpline on 0800 12 13 14 or use the SMS service on 32 312.