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• Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.

• It is considered a central nervous system depressant.

• It has a detrimental effect on the teen brain.

• It can be mixed with other drugs to intensify the results.

• It is a major contributor to motor vehicle accidents.

• It can affect the body of a minor differently than an adult.

According to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD):

• Almost 80 percent of high school students try alcohol.

• Alcohol-related car crashes are the number one cause of death for young people ages 16 to 24.

• Alcohol is a factor in approximately 30 percent of all suicides.

• It’s involved in approximately 40 percent of all crimes.

• It can affect almost every organ in the body.

• Chronic diseases, such as liver cirrhosis (damage to liver cells); pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas); various cancers of the liver, mouth, and throat; and high blood pressure

• Rapid absorption from the stomach and small intestines into the bloodstream

• Unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, drowning, and falls

• Alcohol abuse or dependence

• Violence, such as homicides and suicides

• Brain impairment, such as blackouts, memory lapses, poor judgment, loss of coordination, slow reflexes

• Increased risk for underage sexual activity

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a national organization committed to stopping drunk driving, supporting the victims of this violent crime, and preventing underage drinking. According to MADD:

• The average age of first alcohol use has generally decreased since 1965.

• In 2008, 64.1 percent of eighth graders reported that alcohol is "very easy" or "fairly easy" to get. Eighty-one percent of tenth graders reported alcohol is "very easy" or "fairly easy" to get. Ninety-two percent of twelfth graders reported that alcohol is "very easy" or "fairly easy" to get.

• On average, someone is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes.

• Fifty to 75 percent of drunk drivers whose licenses are suspended continue to drive.

• A first-time drunk driving offender has driven drunk an average of 87 times prior to being arrested.

• Lack of concentration

• Changes in weight

• Slurred speech

• Bloodshot eyes

• Increased sleep and/or sleep problems

• Mood swings, withdrawal, or depression

• Problems at school

• Spend quality time with your child, and talk directly about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.

• Set rules, and maintain realistic expectations and consequences.

• Monitor your child’s behavior while providing structure and guidance.

• Try not to lecture. Listen to what your child says.

• Teach your child how to say no. Be a role model by demonstrating moderation.

• Recognize the fact that parents have the power to keep their child substance-free.