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October Tips of the Month: Tips for
Teens About Alcohol
Over 30% of teenagers aged 14-17 have used
alcohol and other drugs and paid the consequences: arrests,
highway crashes, DWIs, health problems, and impaired school and
job performance. A significant number of these teens have
determined that they are alcoholics and are getting help through
Alcoholics Anonymous.
Long-term effects of heavy
alcohol use include loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies,
stomach aliments, skin problems, sexual impotence, and liver
damage. People who are shy in social situations, who turn to
alcohol to loosen up frequently end up making fools of
themselves and doing things that they later regret. Alcohol
blocks the messages going to your brain and alters your
perceptions and emotions, vision, hearing and coordination.
Drinking can cause serious injuries and death.
Alcoholism is a disease,
just like diabetes or high blood pressure. It can make people do
things that later bring remorse or embarrassment. Having the
disease is nothing to be ashamed of.
If you or someone you
know has a problem with drinking there is help available. Talk
to a school counselor, a friend or a parent.
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