Alcohol
Alcohol is a deppressant. It is legal and easily accessible. Teens become unihibited when drinking alcohol which is one of the main reasons it is often consumed at parties, on dates, and other social situations. Teens also drink alcohol because of peer pressure. Unfortunately most teens that abuse alcohol do not think about its negative effects or serious consequences. When alcohol is abused it can cause serious damage to vital organs. It is addictive and can lead to alcoholism. When alcohol is combined with other drugs such as marijuana or prescription medication it becomes even more dangerous. Alcohol can also cause damage to innocent victims. Thousands of people are injured or killed in drunk driving related accidents each year. Parents should be aware of the powerful and often deadly effects alcohol consumption can have on teens right here in Arkansas.

Effects of alcohol are dependent on:
*a person's size
*a person's weight
*age
*gender
*the ammount of food a person has consumed
*the ammount of alcohol a person has consumed

Signs of alcohol consumption include:
*slurred speach
*dizziness
*nausea
*trouble sleeping
*vomiting
*impaired judgement
*drastic mood swings
*fatigue
*thirst
*excited speech
*severe anxiety
*hallucinations
*tremors
 
Damaging effects of alcohol consumption include:
*permanent damage to the brain
*permanent damage to the liver
*death from respiratory depression
*mothers drinking alcohol during pregnancy may give
 birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome that can include
 irreversable physical and mental damage to the baby