alcohol

What does it look like?

• Alcohol comes in a whole range of different drinks. Spirits like whiskey, vodka and gin usually have a higher alcohol content than wine, beer or cider; which means they can get you drunk faster.
• Spirits are often mixed with soft drinks to make them more pleasant to drink.
• Some spirits some in small glasses (shots), like tequila or sambuca. These are swallowed in one go and can get you really drunk.

What does it feel like?

• Alcohol will often enhance the mood you are in when you start drinking.
• Alcohol is a relaxant, so can reduce feelings of anxiety or inhibitions, making you feel more sociable.

What are the risks?

• When you drink too much alcohol it can leave you feeling out of control; like slurring your words and losing your balance and vomiting. Every year, 1-3 million people end up in A&E from alcohol misuse in the UK.
• Alcohol addiction can creep up on you. Tolerance gradually increases, meaning you have to drink more and more to get the same effect.
• Drinking alcohol is linked to anxiety and depression. Alcohol has also been linked to self-harm, suicide and psychosis.Alcohol also affects your memory and brain function
• Going out drinking a lot can be a heavy drain on your bank account
• Being drunk can make you overly confident, argumentative and aggressive. This can get you into dangerous situations.
• Drunk people are more vulnerable. Women should be particularly careful not to get too drunk, especially when you have to make your way home.
• Drinking a lot of alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning which can put you in a coma or even kill you.
• Long-term drinking can lead to liver damage, stomach cancer and heart disease.
• The Law
• It's illegal for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol.
• It's also illegal to buy alcohol in a pub for someone who's not 18. For more information visit the FRANK website.