Teenage Drinking

In today's society teenaged alcoholism is a very serious problem that needs to be addressed more in schools and in homes. ALCOHOL IS A DRUG. As such, it has the power to alter both the mind and body, and it is also potentially addictive. While most adults know the basic facts about alcohol and some of the permanent dangers of drinking, many of Australia’s teens do not.
40% of 14-19 year-olds consume alcohol at levels that risk harm in the short-term, such as; accident and injury. In Australia alone, alcohol accounts for 13% of all deaths among 14–17 year-olds and it has been estimated that one Australian teenager dies and more than 60 are hospitalized each week from alcohol-related causes. But wait, isn’t the legal drinking age 18? So how do teenagers get a hold of alcohol? Most teenagers can buy their own alcohol by asking friends who are over 18 and by the use of Fake ID’s, and this is an extensive problem that contributes to the ongoing obstacle of underage drinking.
As a speaker for the ‘Drinking Nightmare’ campaign, introduced by the Australian Government, my aim is to inform and encourage you all present about the choices young adults make about drinking, and particularly the possible negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. Have you ever been offered an alcoholic beverage? What about someone saying “Don’t worry, just have one little sip”? Most people have their first drink by the time they’re 13. That first drink can be the start of a troubled life. Alcohol in the hands of teenagers is devastating. Over consumption of alcohol leads to many health complications and is the leading cause of death in homicides, suicides and car accidents. By ages 19 and 20, 70% of all drinkers engage in heavy drinking, suggesting that the majority of young people are at great risk of making poor decisions that have significant long-term consequences
Being in High School, you all are at your peak time for development, whilst studying and attending school do you actually know what you are doing to your brain and body? Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. So what happens to the central nervous system after drinking? While all body systems feel the effects of alcohol, the central nervous system is particularly sensitive. That's because alcohol can pass through the blood-brain barrier, reaching neurons directly. Once alcohol touches these cells, they are changed, resulting in changes in behavior. Alcohol has significant toxic effects on the cells of the central nervous system, which even in small doses is associated with reduction in activity of the normal functions of the brain. The most immediate effects of alcohol are on the brain, these feelings begin with relaxation, calmness and well being. However, as the intake of alcohol increases, these effects are influenced by less pleasant effects, such as; drowsiness, vomiting, loss of balance, blurred vision, slurred speech and even violence to say the least. Statistics show that 1 in 10, 14-17 year olds not only drink underage but also binge. Binge drinking is a term used to describe the practice of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. Higher alcohol intakes can lead to life-threatening events such as unconsciousness and, eventually result in a lack of normal breathing.
Exposure to significant levels of alcohol during the early and mid-adolescent period appears to be associated with increased rates of alcohol-related problems as an adult as well as a higher rate of common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Underage drinking is a problem that is spreading fast, the use of alcohol in adolescence can lead to various short and long term effects such as drink driving, binge drinking, injury and even death. To all the parents and teachers here today,
You have a major impact on the choices that the children in your life make, especially during teenage years. Talking openly and honestly about drinking is also vitally important. Delaying the age at which young people take their first drink lowers their risk of becoming problem drinkers. To every student who has listened so attentively today, I hope you now have an understanding of the dangers of underage drinking. YOU can put a stop to this today. Would you want your own child to grow up and be drinking underage?