2. DEFINITIONS
A. WHAT IS ALCOHOL?
It is a substance which is present in
drinks such as beer, wine, and
distilled spirits.
It kills more teenagers than all
other drugs combined.
Examples of alcoholic drinks
i. Beer e.g. Star, Heinekein etc
ii. Alcoholic wines
iii. Gin, Vodka, Whiskey etc
3. DRUGS
Chemical substances that
affect both your mind and
your body.
Prolonged use may lead to
physical and/or
psychological dependence.
An overdose may lead to
death.
4. Common examples of
Drugs
i. Marijuana
ii. Cocaine
iii. Indian hemp
iv. Promethazine-
codeine cough syrup
v. Tramadol etc.
6. Why Teens Use Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Fun
• Curiosity
• Peer
pressure
7. •To seem grown up
•To rebel
•To escape from
negative
emotions/depression
•Copy from
movies/songs
Why Teens Use Alcohol and Other Drugs
8. Stages of Use
Note:
Every user has the potential
to be an abuser.
Non Use
Experimental Use
Occasional Use
Regular Use
Abuse
Dependence
9. Why drug/alcohol abuse is worse in teenagers
Teenagers move from the
experimentation stage to
the chemically dependent
stage faster than adults
(adults ≈ 8 – 10 years while
teenagers ≈ 3 – 15
months). Teens easily get
stuck on alcohol/drugs.
10. It affects the
developing
brains and can
lead to lifelong
damage in brain
function.
Why drug/alcohol abuse is worse in teenagers
11. EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
• Developmental problems e.g. delayed puberty,
negative effects on the reproductive system,
shorter limbs, reduced growth potential
• Liver damage
• Brain damage e.g. brain shrinkage, impaired
learning abilities, amnesia etc.
12. EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND
ALCOHOL ABUSE
• Behavioural problems
• Addiction and
dependence
• Diseases e.g. HIV/AIDS,
Hep B, Hep C
• Death
14. Get Help!
Counselling from
guidance/counselling depart. &
medical authorities.
Know the dangers of
alcohol/substance abuse and
avoid them.
Avoid bad company.
Address problems which can cause
alcohol and drug abuse e.g.
anxiety, low self esteem,
depression.
