1. Excessive alcohol use is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the United States.
2. According to the 2009 Connecticut School Health Survey:
   • 43.5% of high school students reported having consumed alcohol in the past 30 days
   • 26.7% reported that in the past 30 days they had ridden with a driver who had been drinking

SOURCE: *http://www.dph.state.ct.us/PB/HISR/CSHS.htm

Alcohol consumption can have a number of effects on your body including the following:

Short Term Effects
Disinhibition
Loss of coordination
Slurred speech
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting

Poor judgment and decision making which can be associated with violence (such as child abuse and rape), increased risk of injury (car accidents, falls, fights), unplanned pregnancies.

Long Term Effects
Alcoholism and associated withdrawal symptoms
High blood pressure
Damage to vital organs including the liver and brain cancer
Children born to mothers who drink may suffer from low birth weight, fetal alcohol syndrome and other birth defects

1. Are you consuming alcohol even though you are under the legal drinking age of 21?
2. Do you drink alone?
3. Do you drink when you feel angry or sad?
4. Does your drinking make you late for work or school?
5. Does your drinking worry your family?
6. Do you ever drink after telling yourself that you won't?
7. Do you ever forget what you did while you were drinking?
8. Do you get headaches or a hangover after drinking?
9. If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may have a problem. Check with your doctor to be sure.

SOURCE: http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/handout.htm