Alcohol
Scope of Problem:
Alcohol is the most widely used drug and is a “gateway” substance. Youth tend not to
use any other substance (except tobacco) unless they have begun use of alcohol. In 2006,
past month use of alcohol was reported by 29% of Illinois 8th grade youths
and 52.8% of Illinois 12th grade youths. Binge drinking (five or more drinks in
one sitting) in the two weeks prior to survey was reported by 10.9% of Illinois 8th
grade youths and 35.1% of Illinois 12th grade youths.
Greatest Dangers:
- Most short-term damage done by alcohol is due to its impairment of thought,
judgment,
and coordination. As a result, alcohol use is a major risk factor for most public health
problems of youth, including unintended injury (auto accidents and other), homicide, suicide,
unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual assault.
- Alcohol can also directly poison if used heavily in a short period of time (e.g., a few
hours).
- Alcohol can cause dependence (alcoholism). Some persons are more genetically susceptible
to alcoholism, but others can also develop alcoholism with heavy use over a long enough time.
- Drinking when pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome in one’s child.
- Long-term heavy use of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, as well as damage to
other organs from the brain down.
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