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- Why do people drink?
- What are the effects of alcohol
- Problems with alcohol
- Long-term health effects
- The law
- Help lines
- Have your say!
People like to drink because it makes them feel more relaxed and confident, but like all drugs, there is a downside to alcohol. Drink can become addictive and excessive drinking can cause many different health problems. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is known as binge drinking.
What are the effects of alcohol?
Alcohol disrupts your body and mind:
- co-ordination
- reaction times
- judgement
How alcohol affects you depends on:
- how much you have to drink
- how quickly you drink
- the strength of the drink
- how used to alcohol you are
- your size and weight
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to you do things that you would not normally do such as:
- having arguments
- starting fights
- having ‘casual sex’
- taking other drugs
Long-term drinking, especially dependency and binge drinking can lead to many problems such as:
- liver disease
- heart conditions
- stomach conditions
- cancer
- depression
Under 14 - A young person under 14 cannot go into the bar of a pub unless the pub has a 'children's certificate'.
14 or 15 - 14 and 15 year olds can go anywhere in a pub, but cannot drink alcohol.
16 or 17 - 16 and 17 year olds can buy (or be bought) beer or cider as an accompaniment to a meal, but not in a bar.
Under 18 - Except for 16 - 17 year olds having a meal in a pub, it is against the law for anyone to buy alcohol in a pub, off-licence, supermarket or other outlet.
FRANK: 0800 77 66 00
Essex Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service: 0800 316 5699
National Drugs Helpline: 0800 77 66 00
Alateen: 020 7403 0888 (A helpline for young people aged 12-20 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking)
Top pundits have called for the Government to increase the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. This is because Britain has one of the worst problems with underage drinking and a 'binge drinking' culture.
Alateen
Advice and help for young people aged between 12 and 20.
Down Your Drink
This site is designed to help you work out whether you're drinking too much, and if so, what you can do about it.
Talk to Frank
Advice from Talk to Frank on alcohol and its effects on the body and mind.
Youth Information
YI have some useful facts and advice about alcohol.
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