Alcohol and Health

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Annual Deaths

CDC data from 2015 show that over 4300 deaths per year of individuals under 21 are attributable to alcohol consumption.

The 2017 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 30% of high school students reported consuming alcohol in the prior 30 days.

The 2017 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey found 14% of high school students

reported binge drinking during the prior 30 days.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 60% of college students report drinking some amount of alcohol.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 40% of college students report binge drinking.

New Tik Tok Trend – BORG

BORG = Black Out Rage Gallon

Binge drinking is 4-5 drinks in a 2 hour time frame. A BORG can contain as much as 16 shots/drinks.

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Diluting alcohol with water and adding electrolytes will not prevent alcohol poisoning or prevent a hangover.
Adding caffeine makes it hard to know when you’ve had enough (see below).
Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and CALL 911 if you see any of the signs!

Mixing Stimulants with Alcohol

Combining stimulants (like caffeine or energy drinks) with alcohol can be extremely dangerous.

Caffeine masks the effects of alcohol, making you feel more alert than you actually are. This can lead to drinking much more than intended—and reaching dangerous, even fatal, levels of intoxication without realizing it.

This risk increases when alcohol is mixed with sweet or flavored drinks (like “jungle juice”), which can make it even harder to gauge how much alcohol you’ve consumed.

Bottom line: Mixing stimulants with alcohol is risky and can lead to life-threatening alcohol poisoning.

Serious Head Injury Vs. Intoxication

Alcohol intoxication can closely mimic the symptoms of a severe head injury, such as confusion, impaired coordination, slurred speech, and altered consciousness. This similarity can make it challenging to differentiate between the effects of alcohol and the potential signs of a more serious medical issue, such as a concussion or brain trauma. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial, as overlooking a head injury could result in delayed treatment and severe consequences.

Either way, a head injury or alcohol poisoning (over-consumption of alcohol), can lead to serious consequences including death. Call 911 immediately and get help!

Learn about Rachael’s Story.

What is binge drinking?

Binge drinking is refers to the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short time with the goal of becoming quickly intoxicated. Definitions vary, but in general consuming five or more standard drinks for males, or four or more drinks for females, over a 2-hour period qualifies as binge drinking.

What is a "standard drink"?

A “standard drink” contains 14 grams of ethanol. The same amount of alcohol is present in 12 ounces of beer (5% abv), 5-6 ounces of wine (~12% abv) and 1.5 ounces of liquor (~40% abv). In a party setting where mixed drinks are served, the amount of alcohol is present can be unclear.

Is there anything that can quickly sober someone up?

No. Only time can make a person sober. The liver can metabolize about one ounce of alcohol per hour – about as much alcohol present in a standard drink.

What are date rape drugs?

A date rape drug is any drug that prevents a person from giving consent to sexual contact. While the term is generally used to refer to drugs like rohypnol (“roofies”) and GHB, alcohol is the most widely used date rape drug.

Do date rape drugs have a taste?

The most commonly used date rape drug is alcohol. The amount of alcohol present in a drink isn’t always apparent from its taste. Other date rape drugs like rohypnol (“roofies”) and GHB are tasteless.

When should I get help for someone who has been drinking?

The following are signs that someone may be in trouble: unconsciousness or an inability to be roused, repeated or uncontrolled vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, and cold or clammy skin. If you have another reason to suspect something is wrong (for example, you witnessed someone hit their head), don’t hesitate to call for help. Early signs of a life-threatening head injury can easily be confused with alcohol intoxication.

Can an intoxicated person consent to sex?

No.

What do serious head injuries and alcohol poisoning have in common?

Serious head injury closely mimics the signs of drinking too much alcohol (aka alcohol poisoning). If someone is exhibiting any of these signs, don’t take a chance, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

Signs:

Headache
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nausea & Vomiting
Confusion
Difficulty Walking
Slurred Speech
Memory Loss

About Rachael’s First Week

Rachael’s First Week LIVE! is a program dedicated to protecting the lives of high school seniors and college freshmen as they transition into young adult women and men.

These can be tumultuous years when peers often look to each other for guidance as they encounter novel and potentially dangerous situations, rather than engaging experienced mentors to provide solutions.

The mission of Rachael’s First Week is to develop the decision-making skills of teens as they enter this time of monumental change in their lives.

Upcoming Events Calendar

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