Alcohol

Lots of people drink alcohol, and in sensible amounts it's usually fine, but drinking to excess can cause lots of problems and lasting damage to your body. If someone you care about is drinking too much, this can affect you too.

What can alcohol do to you?

Drinking alcohol and getting drunk affects the way you think and feel. It is popular because it makes people feel relaxed. However it is a powerful drug and can affect people in different ways. These are some of the ways it can affect you:

• It slows down your body and makes accidents more likely to happen.
• You might become violent when you are drunk.
• Drinking a lot in one go can be very dangerous.
• People may pass out, choke on their own sick, overdose and even die. Every weekend hospitals pump the stomachs of young people who have drunk too much.
• Being drunk makes you vulnerable and someone could take advantage of you more easily.
• Regular, heavy use can lead to alcoholism. People then feel they have to drink all the time to avoid feeling ill.
• Regular, heavy use can damage your liver, heart, stomach and brain.

My friends are all always drinking, but I don't want to. What can I do?

It can be hard to say 'no' to your friends, especially when they are all joining in. If they are trying to get you to do something that you don't want to do, then this will make you feel scared and alone. Talking to someone about how you feel can help. Read more about peer pressure and how you can stop it.

What should I do if one of my parents is always drinking?

Your parents or carers should be looking after you. It's their job to keep you safe and that may not be happening if they are drinking. If they have a problem with drinking, then you should talk to someone you trust so that they can get some help. That way, things may improve for you and your parent.

When can I start drinking alcohol?

The law can be complicated about alcohol so it is worth knowing what you can and can't do. The general laws are:

Age 5 and up

• You may drink alcohol at home with adult supervision

Age 14

• You can go to a pub which has a children's certificate, but you can't buy or drink alcohol.

Age 16

• You can drink wine, beer or cider with a meal in a restaurant.

Age 18

• You can buy alcohol.

I started drinking but now I can't stop, what can I do?

Like any other drug, there is always a risk of getting addicted to alcohol if you drink a lot. If you feel like you can't stop drinking, this can be very worrying. Admitting that you have a problem is the first step to getting better. Talking about it will also help you work through the problem and tackle the cause of your drinking.

If you are worried or have questions about alcohol, you can call us to talk to us about it. We can help you find a way through your problems.

Extra links

Talk to Frank includes information about different types of drugs and lets you ask questions online or call their helpline. Visit www.talktofrank.com.

Al-Anon Family Groups provide understanding, strength and hope to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking. Visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk.

Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. They work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems. Visit www.alcoholconcern.org.uk.