Some alcohol enters the blood stream through the stomach walls. Most of the alcohol eters the bloodstream through the
small intestine. On e in the bloodstream, the alcohol tragvels to the heart and then the brain where it interferes with thinking, coordination,a dn judgement.
It keeps circulating and most of it ends up in the liver which removes it from the bloodstream. The liver can process only a little bit of alsohol at a time.
When someones drinks faster than the liver can remove it from the bloodstream they become intoxicated.

Negative Effects on Health
Your mental and physical health will be seriously damaged if you repeatedly drink.
physical effects:
liver disease, high blood pressure, digestive problems, weak muscles and bones, damaged heart,
cancer, brain damage
mental and psychological effects:
dpression, halucinating, blackouts (forgetting what happened while you were drinking),
loss of problem solving abilities

Why is the age 21?
21 is the age considered by most people to be the age when people are capable of making
wise decisions about alcohol,
Teenagers who drink suffer even greater risks than others because their bodies are still
developing,
Alochol means: more stress, developing poor judgement, and low self esteeem
Choosing to drink means choosing to slow your reflexes and harm your coordination,
and lowering resistance to diseases
Sex can be a confusing topic for teenagers and alcohol doesn't make it easier.
It can lead to poor decisions about sex, sexually transmitted diseases, hurt feelings
and even pregnancy.

How do you say "NO"?
because someday someone might ask you: "Want a Drink?"
possible ways to say no: No, I don't want to. Its not for me.
-No, I promised myself I wouldn't drink.
-I don't want to hurt my chances of making the team.
-I guess you don't know me too well. I don't hide behind alcohol.

Recognize when a friend has a problem with alcohol!
know the warning signs.
-extreme mood changes
-drop in grades all of a sudden
-extreme changes in appetite
-slacking appearance or hygiene

MAke sure you understand that these signs might also be warning signs for other problems so don't jump to conclusions.
Be sure your friend gets help whatever the case right away.

Alateen, Al-Anon, and Alcoholics Anonymous are organization that help the family
of alcoholics and alcoholics themselves.
you could also find help at the doctors office, mental health centers, social workers and members of clergy

There are so many different thing to worry about when you drink underage. Is it really
worth all the risks involved? No, definitly not.
Alcohol is not cool, life is.

How to Prevent Drunk Driving
You can prevent drunk driving and the deaths of over 50% of those in fatal car crashes due to alcohol.
Care about others enough to take the following precautions.
Just think, it could be you or those you care about who are the next victims of a drunk driver.

Alcohol Impairs Driving
Excess alcoholin the bloodstream affects brain functions that involve driving
Judgement: alcohol affects your perception. Reckless chances result from overconfidence.
Coordination: Your reaction time and ability to carry out a number of tasks at one time decreases.
Vision: Pupil reaction, depth perception,a nd peripheral vision are all required to drive. Alcohol decreses
each of these.

How to Help Yourself
EAT- it slows down absorption in the bloodstream
PACE DRINKS
SIP, DON'T DRINK-"nursing" your drinks is always better than gulping
SET A LIMIT-decide how many drinks you will allow yourself before you start drinking
stick with it
DESIGNATE A DRIVER-make sure one person agrees not to drink at all and to drive
TAPER OFF- It takes time to recover from the effects of alcohol
DON"T MIX DRUGS- even over-the-counter drugs react negatively with alcohol
Give your kets to a nondrinker, catch a ride or take a cab, or sleep over if
drink.

Help Others
You can prevent your guests from drunk driving by:
using a bartender, serving food, offer non-alcoholic beverages,
encourage conversation and activites which gives your guests something to do other than drinking,
watch for intoxication.
NEVER LET THEM DRIVE DRUNK!

A 1 1/2-oz. shot of whiskey(80 proof) contains the same amount of alcohol as a 12-oz. beer,
a 5-oz. glass of wine, or a 12-oz. wine cooler.