Alcohol

Background Information

Alcohol is a drug. Studies show that more young people experience problems caused by drinking too much alcohol than from drug use. “Alcohol causes ten times as much damage to the young compared with other drugs.” (Prof. Sir Leslie Turnberg, Royal College of Physicians.)

By 13, young people may have started drinking in groups, in a park or at parties. The group may be passing round cans or bottles and may drink quickly because they are afraid of being found out or because they want to get drunk.

Experimental drinking can lead to severe intoxication, which is more dangerous for children and adolescents than for adults. Young people experience coma at lower blood alcohol levels and can develop hypoglycaemia (low levels of blood sugar), hypothermia and breathing difficulties.

Everyone who has a drink problem started as a social or sensible drinker.

Driving ability is affected after even one drink.

A thousand young people under 15 are admitted to UK hospitals each year with acute alcohol intoxication. All need emergency treatment, many in intensive care.