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Alcohol
What is Alcohol?
Alcohol is a substance found in drinks like beer, wine, and liquor. In the United States it’s legal only for adults 21 and over, but many teens encounter alcohol at parties or social events.
Alcohol affects the brain and body by slowing reaction time, judgment, and coordination.
What is a Blackout?
If someone drinks a large amount, especially quickly, they can experience an alcohol blackout.
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Blackouts are common among teens who drink. In one study, 1 in 5 older adolescents who had ever consumed alcohol reported a blackout in the past six months.
A blackout is
A gap in memory
Not remembering things that happened while drinking
Caused by alcohol blocking memory storage in the brain
Even small amounts of alcohol can cause subtle memory problems. The more someone drinks, the more serious the memory impairment can become.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
If you see these signs, CALL 911 immediately
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Call 911 right away. Do not wait for them to “sleep it off.”
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Stay with them.
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Keep them awake and sitting up if possible.
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Give small sips of water only if they are fully awake. → If they are unconscious, do NOT give them anything to drink (they could choke).
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Turn them on their side if they pass out. → This helps prevent choking if they vomit.
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Keep them warm. → Use a blanket or jacket — alcohol can lower body temperature.
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Stay calm and explain what you’re doing. → They may be confused or upset. Let them know you’re trying to help.
Helpful Resource: NIAAA News
NIAAA News: The nation's lead agency for research on the health effects of alcohol
Myths vs Facts
Myth: "Everyone drinks in high school."
Myth: "Beers or seltzers aren't as strong as liquor."
Myth: "You can sober up quickly with coffee or a cold shower."
Myth: "If I can walk and talk I'm fine."
Fact: "Many teens choose not to drink, even if it feels common in certain groups."
Fact: "Alcohol affects your body the same way regardless of the type, it’s the amount that matters."
Fact: "Time is the only thing that lowers alcohol levels in your body."
Fact: "Judgment and reaction time are impaired before you may realize it.."
Consequences of Underaged Drinking
Alcohol is a factor in the deaths of thousands of people younger than age 21 in the United States each year. This includes:
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1,392 from motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver (defined as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams per deciliter)
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644 from alcohol-related poisoning (overdose), fall injuries, fire injuries, and drowning
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615 from suicides
Alcohol and your Health
How Alcohol Affects the Teen Brain
Alcohol affects everyone’s brain, but it affects teen brains more strongly because the brain is still developing into the mid 20s.​​​
This makes it even harder to
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Think clearly
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Recognize danger
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Make healthy choices​
It can also create feelings of pleasure or euphoria, which can trick the brain into thinking drinking was a “good decision, ” making someone more likely to drink again.
Short vs Long Term Physical Effects of Alcohol Use in Adolescence
Effects of Alcohol Use on Mental Health
When to Get Help
Warning Signs of a Drinking Problem
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You might be concerned if you notice:
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Drinking to cope with emotions
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Feeling pressure to drink in social settings
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Trouble stopping once drinking starts
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Hiding or lying about alcohol use
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Changes in mood, sleep, or school performance
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Friends or family expressing concern
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If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone! Support is available.
Ways to Treat an Alcohol Use Disorder
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