Facts You Should Know
The economic impact of alcohol use in California is $38 billion annually in medical, criminal justice, and lost productivity.
About 9.3 percent of the state’s population are dependent on alcohol and drugs.
There were 3,867 alcohol-related deaths in California in 2006.
In Santa Barbara County 9.6% of all motor vehicle accidents were associated with alcohol or drug use, 34.8% of fatal motor vehicle accidents involved alcohol or drug use. Deaths due to motor vehicle accidents in Santa Barbara County were much more common among male drivers 15-24 years of age.
Accidental drug overdose was the 3rd leading cause of death in the Santa Barbara County.
Question & Answer
Q. Aren’t beer and wine “safer” than liquor?
A. No. One 12-ounce bottle of beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine (about a half-cup) has as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. Alcohol can make you drunk and cause you problems no matter how you consume it.
Q. Why can’t teens drink if their parents can?
A. Teens’ brains and bodies are still developing; alcohol use can cause learning problems or lead to adult alcoholism. People who begin drinking by age 15 are five times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 20.6
Q. How can I say no to alcohol? I’m afraid I won’t fit in.
A. It’s easier to refuse than you think. Try: “No thanks,” “I don’t drink,” or “I’m not interested.” Remember that the majority of teens don’t drink alcohol. You’re in good company when you’re one of them.
Warning signs of teenage alcohol and drug abuse may include:
Physical: Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a lasting cough.
Emotional: personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of interest.
Family: starting arguments, breaking rules, or withdrawing from the family.
School: decreased interest, negative attitude, drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and discipline problems.
Social problems: new friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law, and changes to less conventional styles in dress and music.
Some of the warning signs listed above can also be signs of other problems. Parents may recognize signs of trouble and possible abuse of alcohol and other drugs with their teenager. If you have concerns you may want to consult a physician to rule out physical causes of the warning signs. This should often be followed or accompanied by a comprehensive evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or mental health professional.
