FiT Work #23 - Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse

DUE AT THE END OF THE CLASS PERIOD

UNDERAGE DRINKING

Alcohol use by persons under age 21 is a major public health problem. Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs, and is responsible for more than 4,300 annual deaths among underage youth. Although drinking by persons under the age of 21 is illegal, people aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States. More than 90% of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinks. On average, underage drinkers consume more drinks per drinking occasion than adult drinkers.

HOW SUBSTANCE USE AFFECTS TEENS' HEALTH

Substance use can lead to long-term social and health problems, injury, and even death. Growth and development can be affected by tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Teens who abuse these substances may have trouble finding their identity, building relationship skills, and becoming emotionally stable. They also may have trouble preparing for their future. Substance abuse can affect memory and learning, which can harm a teen's schoolwork.  And substance use can grow very quickly from experimenting, or occasional use, to abuse and addiction in teens at risk

Understanding the Dangers

Studies show that educating teens on the dangers of alcohol and drugs have helped lower the rates of teen use over the past few years.  Click on the following link to learn more about Drugs and Your Body.  Be sure to read all the categories by clicking on all of the topics (Brain, Skin, Lungs, Mouth, Heart, and Death).

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