DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we are bringing you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug. It will cover the drug’s common names, effects and the important details parents should know.
Today’s post in our 411 Drug Series examines alcohol, which is just in time for graduation.
What is it and what does it look like?
Alcohol is a depressant, and it is consumed orally (swallowed). It will soon be available in flavored powder form, which is meant to be mixed with water, but can easily be sprinkled on food or inhaled, as well.
Other street names?
· Beer
· Liquor
· Shots
· Wine
· Cooler
· Malt Liquor
What are the short and long-term effects?
· Dizziness
· Slurred speech
· Disturbed sleep
· Nausea, vomiting
· Hangovers
· Impaired motor skills
· Violent behavior
· Impaired learning
· Fetal alcohol syndrome
· Respiratory depression
· Death (high doses).
What every parent should know:
Though alcohol use is down among Arizona teenagers, according to the 2014 Arizona Youth Survey, 46 percent of students said they had tried alcohol in their lifetime. About 24 percent said they consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among youth.
DrugFreeAZKids.org’s mission is to provide parents with the information they need to educate their kids about dangerous substances. In addition to this blog series, we offer other valuable tools, such as webinars, to help parents raise healthy, drug-free children. Be sure to register for “Teen Law School Presents: The Six D’s” webinar on May 20. You’ll learn the leading legal dangers facing teens today – drinking, driving, drugs, dating, digital drama and “dumb stuff.” Learn what you need to know to help keep your kids safe.
To learn more about how to prevent drug and alcohol use by teens, visit DrugFreeAZKids.org.
