What it is

Alcohol is a depressant.  90% of Americans with a substance abuse problem started smoking, drinking, or using other drugs before the age of 18.

Risks

• Reduced inhibition (doing something you wouldn’t normally do)
• Impaired coordination
• Impaired reaction time
• Impairs judgement
• Blackouts
• Increases risk for injury
• Increase risk for physical and sexual assault
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Headaches
• Nausea and/or vomiting

Consuming even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment.  This can lead to engaging in riskier behaviors such as drunk driving, unprotected sex, aggressive, or violent behavior.

Binge drinking is when someone drinks larger amounts in a shorter amount of time.  It increases your risk for alcohol poisoning and other alcohol related issues.

Signs & Symptoms for Concern

• Loss of interest in school or activities
• Depression
• Lack of interest with family and friends
• Restlessness
• Erratic or violent behavior
• Inability to control drinking
• Preoccupied with drinking

Help

Are you concerned that you might have an issue with alcohol?  We are here to help!

Take the confidential https://www.recoveration.org/custom/iowa/ssi-sa.asp from Recoveration.  If your score says you should seek treatment, call 319-390-4611 and ask to talk to a counselor.

If you do not feel comfortable calling ASAC, other people you can seek help from would be your school nurse, teacher, counselor, parents or other trusted adults.

What do I say?

“I don’t know what to do…”
“Can we talk”
“I am struggling with…”

Speak up for yourself, find someone to talk to, know what your needs are, and know how to communicate

Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant.  90% of Americans with a substance abuse problem started smoking, drinking, or using other drugs before the age of 18.

Marijuana

The active chemical in marijuana is THC.  THC is one of several chemicals found in the marijuana plant.  THC is not medicine and is illegal in the State of Iowa.

Anxiety

Having anxiety can be normal when dealing with stress and serves as an alert in order that we pay attention.  Anxiety Disorders are when you experience excessive anxiety or fear.  Anxiety disorders are treatable.

Depression

Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed.  If you have depression you can have physical and emotional problems that can interfere with school and other activities.

Wellness

It is important for teens to take care of themselves.  You work hard and you deserve a break.  If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed make sure you are keeping up with sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

Suicide

Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death for ages 15-34.

Sexual Health & Pregnancy

Teens that are sexually healthy either practice abstinence or safer sex.  Abstinence is not engaging in any sexual activity and it the only 100% effective way to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Relationships

During your adolescents, you begin to learn how to form safe and healthy relationships. You are also trying to figure out who you are as a person and your relationships that you have in your life play in big role in figuring this out.

Violence

Physical, emotional, verbal, cultural, and sexual are all types of violence.  Bullying and the intent to harm are violent behaviors.  Violence can come from anyone whether they are an adult or teen as well as familiar and unfamiliar people.

LGBTQIA+

Do you identify or are you questioning your gender identity and gender expression?  Are you thinking about coming out to your friends and family? This is a very personal process and it is a very intimate and vulnerable time when sharing with others.

Support

Other people you can seek help from would be a school nurse, teacher, counselor, trusted adult, parents.