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An
educational newsletter from the desk of LMG Youth Options
A
substance-abuse treatment facility for adolescents and their families
BINGE DRINKING ALERT
THE FACTS...
First time alcohol use typically occurs at age 12.
Teens whose parents have informed them of the dangers of alcohol and drugs are 42% less likely to abuse them.
Only one in four teens report that they have conversed with their parents about the effects of alcohol.
Underage drinkers are responsible for 28% of alcohol consumption in the United States.
Drinking patterns established in high school often persist through college and into adulthood.
Students who binge drink are more likely than their peers to damage property, miss classes, experience bodily injuries, and have problems with authority.
Alcohol affects everyone differently, depending on weight, age, gender, food consumption and prescribed medications.
In the State of Connecticut drivers with a 0.08% BAC are arrested for DUI. First time offenders will lose their license for 1 year. Sixteen year-olds will lose their license until their eighteenth birthday.
Carbonated beverages enter the blood stream faster, quickening the effects of alcohol.
Children who begin drinking by age 13, often abuse alcohol as adults.
DEFINITIONS...
Alcohol Poisoning - is a severe and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcohol overdose and the most serious consequence of binge drinking. Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol deprives the brain of oxygen. This will eventually cause the brain to shut down the voluntary functions that regulate breathing and heart rate. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, loss of consciousness, cold, clammy, pale and bluish skin, and slow or irregular breathing.
Binge Drinking - is defined by researchers as the consumption of 5 or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting. The universal definition of binge drinking, however, is any intoxicating drinking that leads to dangerous or destructive behavior.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) - measures the percentage of alcohol in a person's blood. If a person has 0.10% BAC, he/she has one part alcohol for every thousand parts of blood.
One Drink - equals 1.25 ounces of 80 proof liquor, 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of table wine, or one 12 ounce wine cooler.
Tolerance - is the ability to endure continued or increasing quanitities of alcohol, thereby requiring larger doses to achieve the desire effects.
DUI - refers to driving under the influence of any substance which impairs the ability to drive safely.
What parents can do...
Recognize that parental attitudes and parental drinking habits influence
teenage drinking choices. Talk to your children about the very real dangers of
binge drinking before they are faced with the opportunity to drink. What do you
need to know and do?
* Be aware that alcohol is a drug. Some teens have the misconception that alcohol will give them energy. Help
them understand alcohol is a depressant which can cause serious damage to the brain and other organs.
* Do not glorify alcohol use. Stories about youthful adventures shared by you, family members or friends give
teens the impression that excessive drinking is thrilling, acceptable and desirable.
* Don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have been drinking. If you do, your teen will think it is okay for
them to do the same.
* Talk to your children about the realities of peer pressure. Discuss specific ways for them to confront difficult
social situations. Develop a plan with your teen for a safe ride home when he/she faces intoxicated teen
drivers.
* Start early. Talk to your children about alcohol long before they are teenagers. Most kids start drinking at age
12. As they grow older, teens are more likely to reject their parents' advice and turn to their peers for influence.
* Realize that binge drinking can be deadly! Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and do not put an intoxicated
child to bed. Assess for signs of alcohol overdose and seek prompt medical assistance if you are concerned.
Youth Options
LMG/Youth Options is a substance abuse prevention and treatment program
Our team of caring professionals works throughout the community to educate children and their families about the effects of drugs and alcohol.
|
Darien/New
Canaan Youth Options |
Greenwich
Youth Options |
Stamford
Youth Options |
|
2
Renshaw Road |
55
Old Field Point Road |
159
Colonial Road |
|
Darien,
CT 06820 |
Greenwich,
CT 06830 |
Stamford,
CT 06906 |
|
203-655-8973 |
203-869-1349 |
203-325-1511 |
Or visit our web site
www.lmgprograms.org
Who has a drinking problem?
If you answer yes to one or more
of the questions below, you may have a drinking problem.
1. Can you drink more than others without showing signs of intoxication?
2. Have you ever spoiled a social gathering because of excessive drinking?
3. Have your family or friends talked to you about your drinking habits?
4. Have you ever missed classes or work as a result of drinking?
5. Do you drink before going to a party where drinks are served?
6. Do you drink to the point of intoxication while alone?
7. Has drinking become one of the most important and pleasureable of your activities?
8. Do you need to drink alcohol to enjoy activities? ...to deal with stress?
If you think that you or someone you know may have a drinking problem or other substance abuse
concerns, please contact your
local Youth Options for a confidential consultation.