Teens

The Ledyard Safe Teens Coalition is committed to helping teens learn the facts about alcohol and underage drinking while arming them with effective strategies to keep themselves safe and healthy.

Take these three steps to educate and protect yourself…

Step 1) Separate fact from fiction- Educate yourself

There is a lot of information available about alcohol and underage drinking. You might have heard some things that are simply false. Here are the real facts about underage alcohol use:

Myth: Alcohol isn't as harmful as other drugs.
FACT: Alcohol increases your risk for many deadly diseases, such as cancer. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be deadly.

Myth: Drinking is a good way to loosen up and be more social at parties.
FACT: Drinking is a foolish way to loosen up. It can make you act inappropriately, say things you shouldn't say, and do things you wouldn't normally do.

Myth: Drinking alcohol will make me cool.
FACT: There's nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out, acting irresponsibly or puking on yourself. Drinking alcohol also can cause bad breath and weight gain.

Myth: All of the other kids my age drink alcohol. I need to drink to fit in.
FACT: If you really want to fit in, stay sober. Most young people don't drink alcohol. Research shows that more than 70 percent of youth ages 12 to 20 haven't had a drink in the past month.1

Myth: Adults drink, so kids should be able to drink too.
FACT: A young person's brain and body are still growing. Drinking alcohol can cause learning problems or lead to adult alcoholism. People who begin drinking by age 15 are five times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 20.2

Myth: Beer and wine are safer than liquor.
FACT: Alcohol is alcohol...it can cause you problems no matter how you consume it. One 12-ounce bottle of beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine (about a half-cup) has as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor.

Myth: I can drink alcohol and not have any problems.
FACT: If you're under 21, drinking alcohol is a big problem: It's illegal. If caught, you may have to pay a fine, perform community service, or take alcohol awareness classes. Kids who drink also are more likely to get poor grades in school and are at higher risk for being a crime victim.

Don’t be fooled by common misconceptions about underage drinking. Separate fact from fiction. Educate yourself

Take this quiz!

Test your knowledge. Know the facts!

Sources

1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

2Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2004). The NSDUH Report: Alcohol Dependence or Abuse and Age at First Use.

Step 2) Resist peer pressure and learn how to say “NO” to underage drinking.

There are different kinds of peer pressure. Some forms of peer pressure can lead to positive decisions and behaviors. Other forms of peer pressure can lead to making poor choices. Learn to stand up for yourself and learn the ways to say “NO” and

Remember: If someone is pressuring you to do anything that's not right or good for you, you have the right to:

Resisting pressure can be hard for some people. Why?

They…

Sometimes saying “NO” isn’t easy, but you can do it with practice and some good tips. Be persistent. It may take a few times to find the right approach, but stay strong.

Tips:

Source: http://www.thecoolspot.gov/index.asp

Step 3) Take pride in your positive decision making and life choices!

By learning how to effectively stand up for yourself and resisting peer pressure you are setting a positive example for your peers. Peer pressure can work in both good and bad ways. By making positive decisions and healthy life choices you can inspire others to also make the right decisions. Congratulations, you should feel proud about being a leader and a role model!

There are so many ways to party without drinking. Here are some ideas: