Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are not only adult problems - they also affect a significant number of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 20, even though drinking under the age of 21 is illegal.
The Law and You
In Wisconsin, if you are under the age of 21 the law requires that you remain absolutely sober when operating a motor vehicle. That means that you may not have a Blood Alcohol Level over 0.00%. If you are found to have even a slight Blood Alcohol Level you are guilty of violating the Absolute Sobriety Law. Violations of this law often carry a penalty of a 90-day suspension of your driving privileges. If you drink alcoholic beverages while you drive you may also be charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI) if your Blood Alcohol Level is 0.10%. This is a serious traffic offense and if you are 16 and older you will be charged as an adult.
U.S. Statistics
· Teens drink 25% of the alcohol consumed in the US
· Every year 3.3 million students between the age of 12 and 17 start drinking
· 40.6% of 9th graders, 49.7% of 10th graders, 50.9% of 11th graders, and 61.7% of 12th graders report current of alcohol.
Alcohol Poisoning Signs
Alcohol can be a poison and drinking large quantities of it at one time can be deadly
· Mental Confusion
· Vomiting
· Seizures
· Slow Breathing
· Hypothermia
· Low Blood Pressure
What can happen to someone with Alcohol Poisoning when left untreated
· Victim chokes on his/her own vomit
· Heart stops
· Brain damage
· Become Comatose
· Death
Death Statistics
· The use of alcohol by adolescents is the cause of about 1/3 of all fatal car crashes involving teens.
· Alcohol causes 80% of teenage deaths.
· 40% of all car crashes are due to alcohol. |
