"In Search of the Heroes": The Peanut Man - The Story of George Washington Carver

Addressing Underage Drinking

Teaching students the facts in order to make the right decisions not only helps to combat underage drinking but also helps them to take personal responsibility in all areas of their lives. Most studies show that children are most impressionable between the ages of 9 and 11. However, it is never too late to discuss drinking and the issues associated with it.

Please check the internet sites listed on this site for additional information. Many companies offer free materials, provide classes and maintain a list of speakers who will work with students and adults about drinking and drug related issues.

The younger someone starts drinking, and the greater the intensity and frequency of consumption, the greater the risk of using other drugs.

Research shows that the longer a child's use of alcohol can be delayed, the likelihood of his becoming a problem drinker or even a drunk driver is significantly decreased. Almost half of the children who begin drinking at age 13 will have a dependency problem or become alcoholics. Only 10 percent of those who wait until age 21 to drink will have an alcohol dependency problem.

Why do we need to help young people deal with these issues?

More 12 to 17 year olds name drugs as the most important problem they face (more than violence, crime, social pressures or any other issues).

Alcohol is the most frequently used substance by young people. They say drinking, using illegal drugs and using tobacco use make them feel grown up, help them relax, or help them rebel.

Students should know that...

It is illegal in all 50 states to drink under the age of 21.
Alcohol counts for 45% of all traffic fatalities. The single leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds is drinking and driving.
For driving under the influence, each state has different laws. In some areas a teenager's license is taken away for up to one year upon conviction. A jail sentence on the first offense is not uncommon. Insurance companies can also revoke auto insurance and charge up to three times more for ³high risk² drivers.
Size, age, gender, how fast a person drinks and having food in the stomach all determine how a drink affects a person. A 12-ounce can of beer is equal to a shot of 80-proof whisky or a six-ounce glass of wine. It takes the human body up to one hour to eliminate the alcohol in one drink. Students must be taught that alcohol poisoning can slow down the heart and eventually stop it. Passing out after drinking can be life threatening.
Alcohol concentration in a person's blood is measured in tenths of a percent and is called the blood alcohol concentration or BAC. This percentage seems quite small, and very few states have a limit of more that .08 BAC. However, at just .02 the ability to perform complex tasks--like driving--is reduced. Time and only time reduces the BAC.

Alcohol and Pregnancy

People who are drinking are more likely to let their feelings control their actions. They might take risks they would not normally take. They might believe that having sex just once is okay. A person who has been drinking is more likely to pressure someone else into having sex, or to give in to pressures of having sex.

Think about this...

Not drinking and not getting into an intimate situation with someone who has been drinking will help you to make the best choice.

Do you want a pregnancy at this time in your life?

Do you know the risks of venereal disease and even HIV?

Babies exposed to alcohol in the womb can miscarry, be born premature, and have permanent problems like birth defects and mental retardation.

Do you know a child who is drinking or using illegal drugs? Do they exhibit the following signs?

Falling grades
Little concern about personal hygiene
Decrease in appetite
Communication problems/Secretive behavior
Reddened eyes/small pupils
Slurred speech
Blackouts or dizziness
Lying
Disappearance of money
Vomiting

If you note a sudden or dramatic change in a child's behavior, seek professional help immediately.

What can we do to prevent underage drinking?

Always set a good example. Be a good role model, and encourage good role models. Be approachable and stay involved and interested in this child's life.

Talk openly sharing facts and not using scare tactics.

Have clear rules and remind young people of the laws.