Alcohol
Alcohol : Cigarettes : Drugs : InternetAlcohol is the drug of choice among youth. Each year approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking - yet drinking continues to be widespread among adolescents.
Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol
Parents Booklet (PDF)
Underage Drinking: Why do Adolescents Drink, What are the Risks, and How Can Underage Drinking be Prevented (PDF)
Behavior changes often signal alcohol use/abuse. Because it is easy to get - it is one of the most often abused drugs among young people. Some signs to pay attention to:
-Odor on the breath
-Intoxication
-Difficulty focusing: glazed appearance of the eyes
-Uncharacteristically passive behavior; or combative and argumentative behavior
-Gradual (or sudden in adolescents) deterioration in personal appearance and hygiene
-Gradual development of dysfunction, especially in job performance or school work
-Absenteeism
-Unexplained bruises and accidents
-Irritability
-Flushed skin
-Loss of memory (blackouts)
-Availability and consumption of alcohol becomes the focus of social or professional activities
-Changes in peer-group associations and friendships
-Impaired interpersonal relationships