Alcohol

Young people might choose to drink alcohol because:

• It looks “fun” in films or online

• They want to fit in or feel accepted

• Friends expect them to

• They feel stressed or want to forget problems

• They think it will make them seem older or cooler

Here’s the truth:

You don’t need alcohol to have fun, be liked, or fit in.
You, your personality, and your choices are what make you fun to be around — not what’s in your cup. Real confidence comes from being yourself. And real friends don’t pressure you to drink.

Your body and brain are still growing during your teen years — so alcohol can have a bigger impact on you than it does on adults.

Here’s how alcohol affects you:

✅ 1. It Makes Thinking Harder

Alcohol slows down your brain. It becomes harder to make safe decisions or think clearly.

✅ 2. It Raises the Risk of Accidents

You’re more likely to fall, hurt yourself, get into fights, or make unsafe choices.

✅ 3. It Can Harm Your Long‑Term Health

Drinking too young can increase the risk of health problems later in life.

✅ 4. It Can Change Your Mood

Alcohol can make you feel sad, angry, anxious, or emotional.

✅ 5. It Interrupts Growth & Brain Development

During teenage years, your brain is building the pathways you’ll use for life — alcohol can interfere with this.

Alcohol may seem harmless, but it’s a substance that comes with real risks.

How It Feels:
Relaxed, chatty, confident — or sometimes angry, anxious, or out of control.

Short‑Term Effects:
Slurred speech, blurred vision, poor coordination, slower reactions.

How Fast It Works:
Usually within 10 minutes.

How Long It Lasts:
Several hours — and a hangover the next day.

Risks:

• Injuries and accidents

• Violent situations

• Unsafe decisions

• Vomiting, passing out

• Alcohol poisoning

Mixing alcohol with drugs is extremely dangerous and can slow your breathing or cause overdose.

You never have to drink — but if you choose to, staying safe is essential.

✅ Before You Drink

• Know your drink: Some drinks are stronger than others.

• Eat first: Food slows the alcohol entering your bloodstream.

• Have a plan: Know how you’re getting home and who you’re with.

✅ While You’re Drinking

• Drink slowly

• Have water between drinks

• Listen to your body — switching to soft drinks won’t make you “less drunk,” but it prevents more alcohol going in.

• Never leave your drink unattended

✅ Stick Together

Stay with friends who look after one another. Never drink alone.

✅ Choose Safe Places

Avoid rivers, busy roads, train tracks, or isolated areas.

Saying no can feel hard — but it’s one of the strongest things you can do.

• Be ready with a response like “I’m good, thanks.”

• Be firm but polite

• Stay with people who respect your boundaries

• Ask yourself: If they pressure me, are they really my friends?

You deserve to feel safe and respected.

If someone is drunk and needs help:

✅ Call 999 immediately

Don’t worry about getting into trouble — saving a life matters more.

✅ Stay with the person

Try to keep them awake and talking.

✅ If they’re unconscious:

Put them in the recovery position:

• On their side

• Head tilted back

• Airway open

• Make sure they can’t roll over

✅ Tell emergency workers:

• What they drank

• How much

• If they took drugs

• Any health issues they have

This information helps them give the right care quickly.

If you or a friend needs medical help:

• Under 16: You’ll be seen in the Children’s Emergency Department.

• 16 or older: You’ll be seen in Adult A&E.

Doctors are there to help, not to judge.
They may:

• Give treatment to keep you safe

• Monitor your breathing

• Support you until you sober up

Sometimes a Substance and Alcohol Support Worker is available to talk about what happened and help you stay safe in the future.