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Alcohol

There are many reasons why you might drink alcohol. Alcohol may make you feel more sociable. Too much will give you a hangover the next day. You may not remember what you got up to. Way too much alcohol can put you in a coma or even kill you.

It’s important to understand that alcohol has serious effects on your health and development.

If you’re under 18, it’s against the law:

  • for someone to sell you alcohol
  • to buy or try to buy alcohol
  • for an adult to buy or try to buy alcohol for you
  • to drink alcohol in licensed premises (such as a pub or restaurant)

If you’re 16 or 17 and with an adult, you can drink (but not buy) beer, wine or cider with a meal.

People who start drinking regularly at a young age are more likely to have problems with alcohol as an adult.

How much is too much?

Everyone responds to alcohol differently. Your height, weight and sex can all affect how alcohol affects you. Even what you've had to eat that day or how much sleep you've had can make a difference.

There's no completely safe level of drinking. Ideally young people should not drink any alcohol. It is recommended that adults drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. 

What are the risks?

Drinking a lot of alcohol will make you drunk. When drunk you may act differently, have slurred speech, lack coordination and even get blurred vision. 

Alcohol can lead to health problems:

  • Alcohol poisoning. Drinking a lot of alcohol in a short space of time can cause alcohol poisoning. This affects your ability to speak and move. It can cause low blood sugar, fits, accidental injuries or ending up in vulnerable or dangerous situations.
  • Mood. Alcohol can reduce feelings of anxiety and may make you feel more sociable. It exaggerates whatever mood you're in so if you were in a bad mood it can make you angry or violent. Alcohol raises testosterone levels causing aggression.
  • Accidents and injuries. Alcohol affects your ability to control your body movements, balance and coordination. If you have a lot to drink, you’re more likely to hurt yourself.
  • Risk taking. It can lead to you take risks you wouldn’t normally take, like having unprotected sex, getting into fights or getting into trouble with the police.
  • Diseases. Longterm effects include damage to the brain, body and its organs. Drinking alcohol regularly increases the risk of liver disease, cancer, heart disease and diabetes. 

Tips for peer pressure

  • Say 'No'. If you don't want to drink, then don't. You are in control of your body and can choose what you do or don't do.
  • Give them a reason. You could say that you don’t feel very well, you’ve got to be up early in the morning or use your parents as an excuse
  • Use a decoy. Have a soft drink in your hand already so your friends assume you already have a drink.

Keep yourself safe 

  • Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers in case someone adds something to it that you don’t know about (spikes your drink)
  • Look after yourself and your friends
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • If a person is drunk then remember that they are not legally able to give consent to sexual activity
  • Don't drink and drive. Don't get in a car with someone who has been drinking. 

 Alcohol Poisoning

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Confusion
  • Severely slurred speech
  • Coordination loss
  • Vomiting
  • Slow or irregular breathing
  • Pale or blue tinged skin
  • Being unresponsive
  • Unconsciousness

What should you do?

If you suspect alcohol poisoning, dial 999 immediately.

  • Stay with them until the ambulance arrives
  • Check they're breathing
  • If they have passed out then lie them on their side in the recovery position

recovery_position.png

If they are awake:

  • Keep them sitting up
  • Offer sips of water 
  • Keep them warm with a coat or blanket

 

What should you NOT do?

  • Never leave them alone
  • Do not give them coffee
  • Don't put them under a cold shower

Alcohol poisoning can lead to coma, brain damage and death

It's ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry. If you have any doubts about
alcohol poisoning please call 999 for an ambulance

 For more information please visit the NHS website page about alcohol poisoning

Local support

Bradford

One 80 is the Bridge Project’s drug and alcohol support service for young people living across the district of Bradford. Call 01274 723 863 or email info@thebridgeproject.org.uk to make contact and find out more.

Leeds

Forward Leeds provide a confidential service to young people up to the age of 21. They can meet you at home, at school or in a neutral venue that suits you. Call on 0113 887 2757 or text 07525 265755 or email admin.yp@forwardleeds.co.uk for more information.

Calderdale

Branching out supports young people aged between 10 and 21. Call 01422 415550 (option 2) or email branchingout@humankindcharity.org.uk 

Kirklees

The Base provides free and confidential advice to young people under 21. Call on 01484 541589 or email stephen.yates@cgl.org.uk

Wakefield

Inspiring Futures supports young people under 25. Call on 0300 123 1912.

Craven 

NY Rise supports young people who live in North Yorkshire aged 10 to 19 and up to 24 with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability). Call on 01723 330730 or email NYYP.admin@humankindcharity.org.uk 

 

Further information & support

 franklogo.gif Visit FRANK to find out about the highs, the lows and everything in between. Read the facts around alcohol, including what’s legal, the effects and tips for cutting down.  Talk to FRANK Call on 0300 123 6600. 

  Visit Drink Aware or call on 0300 123 1110.

 The Mix has general advice and information about alcohol for young people. Call on 0808 808 4994.

 Call Nacoa for advice and support if you are affected by parents drinking alcohol. Call on 0800 358 3456 or email helpline@Nacoa.org.uk 

 Al-Anon meetings are a safe place where you as a son or daughter of a drinker can come and talk about your own concerns and feelings. If you don’t feel able or willing to talk, that’s OK too. Call on 0800 0086 811.