Alcohol is a fermented drink that young people over the age of 18 can buy and consume legally. Common types include beer, spirits, wine and mixed drinks.
OTHER NAMES:
Booze, grog, piss, goon.
UNDERSTANDING:
Signs of recent alcohol use are confidence, reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, unsteadiness, slurred speech and the smell of alcohol (or masking agents such as mouthwash or chewing gum) on a person’s breath. Vomiting could be a sign of excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcohol is one of the most widely recognised substances that young people use. Many alcoholic beverages come in labelled bottles or cans. Alcohol can also be mixed with other drinks (such as in a soft drink bottle) or concealed in smaller bottles (hip flasks).
One of the most inexpensive forms of alcohol is cask wine or ‘goon’ which is sold in 2 or 4-litre silver pouches encased in a cardboard box.
HOW COMMON IS USAGE?
Whilst usage in Australia has traditionally been high and widespread (51.6 per cent of drinkers in Australia consume alcohol in excess of government guidelines, Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, 2013), Research suggests in the past 10 years, the number of young people choosing to abstain from alcohol has increased to 50%.
HOW TO SUPPORT A YOUNG PERSON:
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CLASSROOM
‘Binge drinking’ where a young person consumes high amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, typically a weekend, may have an impact in class Monday morning. Symptoms of a ‘hangover’ include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, irritability and inability to focus on anything other than feeling awful.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL CAMP
Long-term drinking can lead to impaired memory and learning. Check out this short videofor more information.
A young person who has been using alcohol every day for several months may develop a dependence on alcohol and it is therefore not advised to suddenly cease use.
Didn’t find what you are looking for? We’ve just given you the most relevant fast facts for school teachers. For a more comprehensive guide, we recommend the ADF’s info.
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Taking the time to understand how to support a student is important. YoDAA can help navigate this with you.
Get help now
YoDAA is a free and confidential online and phone service that offers supports to young people, families and professionals. You can contact us 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
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