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Alcohol and Young People

  • Last modified date:
    11 June 2008

Know the facts about alcohol

Stay in control of your drink - rather than the other way round - by knowing the facts about alcohol.


1. Alcohol gets into the bloodstream within a few minutes of drinking and is carried to all parts of the body. The effects can take hours to wear off and vary depending on:

  • how much and how quickly a person is drinking; 
  • what they've been drinking (strong drinks like spirits and fizzy drinks like cider are absorbed more quickly); 
  • how used they are to drinking alcohol; 
  • their size and weight and other factors, such as whether they have eaten.

2. If a person is smaller or lighter, the alcohol will be concentrated in a smaller body. So alcohol will affect a person who isn't fully grown more quickly.

3. It's a biological fact - drink for drink, alcohol will affect a woman more than a man. Women are generally smaller, their bodies contain less water and the metabolism is different.

4. Alcohol affects physical co-ordination, reaction times and decision making. People who have been drinking are more likely to have an accident, get into arguments or take stupid risks. If they have drunk too much they may feel sick, have blackouts or lose consciousness. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal.

5. Drinking alcohol together with taking illegal drugs is particularly dangerous, increasing the likelihood of a serious drug overdose.

Where to go for more help

Follow these links for more help and information on alcohol:

  • FRANK provides information and advice for young people on alcohol and drugs. 
  • Alateen is a fellowship of young Al-Anon members, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. 
  • The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) can provide help and support for children whose parents misuse alcohol.
  • ChildLine is the UK's free national helpline for children and young people in trouble or danger. If you need help, if you want to talk to someone, call ChildLine free on 0800 1111. 
  • The Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.

Youth and Alcohol Action Plan

The Department for Children, Schools and Families have published a Youth and Alcohol Action Plan to improve alcohol advice to parents and young people, and to tackle the problem of underage drinking.

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