Alcohol
Alcohol is legal (depending on your age and where you drink) but it can do scary things to your health, looks and finances.
Despite this, if you say you don’t want it, you might be thought of as unusual – although remember that lots of people don’t drink, so don’t worry about saying no.
Confidence and alcohol
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In the short term, you might feel that alcohol boosts your self-confidence.
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But over time it lead to depression and withdrawal from your friends and family
Other effects
Long term drinking OR binge drinking (drinking above the ‘safe’ limit in one night, or a weekend) can have other negative effects, such as:
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Increasing your chance of being killed or injured in road accidents
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Clouding your judgement, so you might be more likely to have casual sex, steal or get involved in fights
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Health problems, such as increasing your risk of cancer or heart disease
Are you drinking too much?
The younger you are, the more harm alcohol can do; and females have lower limits than males. The maximum ‘safe’ limits for adults may be less than you think: just under a pint of strong beer for instance is 3 units – women should have no more than 3 units in any one day and men no more than 4 units.
Worried about your own drinking?
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Drinking problems can creep up, and some people find it harder than others to control their alcoholic intake.
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Lots of information, including facts and tips aimed at young people and university students, is on Drinkaware.
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You can also ring Drinkline on 0800 917 8282 for information, support and help about your drinking
Worried about someone else?
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It can be hard for someone to admit that they have a problem. Sometimes, however sympathetic you are, it will make no difference.
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For support and advice, you may want to contact Al-Anon (020 7403 0888), which is for family/friends of those with a drinking problem. Some areas have specific groups aimed at teenagers.