This document discusses alcohol and its effects on the body, with a focus on kids aged 5-8. It explains that alcohol is a drug that can impair judgment and coordination even in small amounts. With more alcohol, people can become violent or pass out. Heavy drinking can lead to alcoholism or alcohol poisoning. The document warns of the health and legal risks of underage drinking and discusses why kids may be tempted to drink, despite ads not showing the full consequences.

1. KIDS AND ALCOHOL
FOR GRADES 5, 6, 7, AND 8
CREATED BY H. STALLARD JANUARY 2010
hstallard@yahoo.com

6. ALCOHOL
IS A DRUG
A drug is a chemical that
has an effect on the body
and is not a food.

7. ALCOHOL

8. BEER

9. WINE

10. WHISKEY

11. How does alcohol affect people?
A small amount of alcohol can make the
person feel relaxed.

12. With more alcohol, people cannot control
their behavior…they may do silly things.

13. With more alcohol
They become clumsy and uncoordinated.

14. With more alcohol
They can become violent.

15. With more alcohol
They are not in full control of their minds and
bodies, and they are not able to think clearly
or to make good choices.
They do things that they would never do
when they are sober.

17. When large amounts of alcohol are
consumed in a short period of
time, alcohol poisoning can result.

18. SYMPTOMS OF
ALCOHOL POISONING
Violent vomiting is usually the first symptom
of alcohol poisoning.

19. OTHER SIGNS OF
ALCOHOL POISONING
Extreme sleepiness
Unconsciousness
Difficulty breathing
Dangerously low blood sugar
Seizures
and even death

20. How does alcohol affect people?
Heavy use of alcohol can lead to addiction.
(alcoholism).

21. Short-term effects of drinking
• distorted vision, hearing, and coordination
• altered perceptions and emotions
• impaired judgment, which can lead to
accidents, drowning, and other risky behaviors
• bad breath
• hangovers

22. With too much alcohol a person can
pass out

23. long-term effects of drinking
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
cirrhosis and cancer of the liver
loss of appetite
serious vitamin deficiencies
stomach ailments
heart and central nervous system damage
memory loss
high risk for overdosing (alcohol poisoning)

24. Alcohol is a factor in about one-half of all fatal
traffic collisions in the United States.

25. Alcohol-related accidents are the leading cause
of death among American teenagers.

26. WHY YOUNG PEOPLE DRINK ALCOHOL
All the ads about alcohol show people having
fun, surrounded by friends, and give the
message that drinking alcohol is super cool.

27. WHAT THE ADS
DON’T TELL YOU

29. WHY YOUNG PEOPLE DRINK ALCOHOL
They are curious.
They want to be accepted and belong.
Their friends are doing it.
It makes them feel older.
They want to rebel.
They are bored.

30. UNDERAGE DRINKING
To legally drink alcohol in Virginia you must be
at least 21 years old.
Underage drinking is a Class I misdemeanor.
If convicted you will be ordered to pay a
mandatory minimum fine of $500 or ordered
to perform a mandatory minimum of 50 hours
of community service.

31. In wise County, court ordered community
service is usually road side trash pick up

33. THE CHOICE IS YOURS
To drink or not to drink…that is the question.