Alcohol Facts
- Alcohol is the most commonly used and socially
accepted drug in the United States.
- Alcohol is a drug and may be addictive.
- Delaying the onset of drinking can substantially reduce
chances of becoming a problem drinker later in life.
- Alcohol abuse may lead to lower life expectancies and
higher mortality rates.
- High-risk drinking may lead to other risky behaviors,
such as driving under the influence, unsafe sexual practices
and injury to self and others.
- The use of alcohol may cause impairment of a person’s
judgment, ability to estimate time or distance, coordination
and motor function.
- All body systems are affected by alcohol. This can result
in problems such as gastritis, pancreatitis, fatty liver
hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer, heart disease, anemia, lowered
resistance to infection, increased
Alcohol & Pregnancy
- Drinking alcohol during
pregnancy may cause
birth defects and/or
behavior and learning
difficulties for the child.
- Doctors advise against
the use of any drugs during pregnancy.
Alcohol & Violence
- Alcohol is present in
more than two-thirds of
incidents of sexual
assault.
- Alcohol is a factor in
more than half of all
incidents of domestic
violence.
College
- Alcohol use may
contribute to college campus
problems such as
missed classes, decreased
studying, poor grades,
dropping out, fights, vandalism,
acquaintance rape,
fires, injuries, and death.
Drinking & Driving
- Alcohol-related accidents
are the #1 killer of people
ages 17-24 in the U.S.
- It is unlawful to drive a
motor vehicle with a
blood alcohol content
(BAC) of .08 or higher.
Underage Drinking
- A person under the age
of 21 driving with a
blood alcohol content
of .01, may have their
driver’s license suspended
or revoked.
- Anyone under 21 years of
age, who buys or attempts
to buy alcohol, is committing
a misdemeanor. It is
also a misdemeanor crime
to sell, give or furnish
alcohol to anyone under
21 years of age.
