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Alcohol What You Need to Know.
Alcohol can affect the brain, body, judgment and coordination. Learn about its effects, possible risks, warning signs and practical ways families, educators and communities can help prevent misuse.
Key Takeaways
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Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can affect
the brain and body.
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Alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, reaction time and
decision-making.
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Young people can face additional concerns because the brain
continues developing through adolescence and young adulthood.
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Clear information and open conversations can help people make
more informed choices.
Alcohol The Real Risks.
Learn how alcohol can affect the brain, behavior and physical health, and why its effects can vary from person to person.
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For Parents & Educators
Find resources to help start factual conversations about alcohol and its effects.
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Prevention Tools
Explore educational materials and prevention resources for schools and communities.
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What to know
How Alcohol Affects the Brain and Body
Alcohol can affect many areas of a person's health and behavior. Effects vary depending on factors such as amount consumed, timing, individual characteristics and other substances being used.
Brain Function
Alcohol can affect memory, attention, judgment, coordination and reaction time.
Physical Health
Alcohol use can affect multiple body systems. Greater amounts and repeated heavy use can increase health risks.
Increased Risks
Impairment can increase the risk of injuries, unsafe decisions and other alcohol-related problems.
Warning signs
Possible Signs of Alcohol Misuse
No single sign proves alcohol misuse. Patterns or significant changes may be worth discussing.
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Noticeable changes in behavior, mood or performance.
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Loss of interest in activities, responsibilities or routines.
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Increased secrecy about whereabouts or social activities.
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Smelling like alcohol or having alcohol-related items.
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Increased risk-taking or other unusual behavior.
Prevention
Practical Steps That Can Help
Prevention starts with truthful information, clear expectations and conversations that help people understand alcohol-related risks.
Start Conversations
Ask questions, listen and discuss alcohol using factual information.
Set Clear Expectations
Make expectations around alcohol and safety clear and understandable.
Never Drive Impaired
Plan safe transportation and do not drive after drinking.
Use Education
Give young people practical information they can understand and use.
Facts vs. myths
Common Questions About Alcohol
Clear information can help separate common assumptions from what is known about alcohol and impairment.
Myth
Coffee quickly sobers someone up.
Caffeine may make someone feel more alert, but it does not remove alcohol from the body.
Fact
The body needs time to process alcohol.
Alcohol levels decline as the body metabolizes alcohol over time.
Myth
Only obvious drunkenness affects driving.
Alcohol can affect judgment, coordination and reaction time before someone appears visibly intoxicated.
Fact
Alcohol affects people differently.
Effects can vary with amount consumed, timing, body characteristics, food, medications and other factors.
Educational resources
Learn More About Alcohol
Explore educational information and materials for young people, families, educators and community organizations.