It is against the law for under 18-year-olds to purchase alcohol. If caught, they could land up with a heavy fine or even spend time in jail.

Crime and violence: Teenagers who drink welcome all types of consequences.They increase their risk of being hurt through events such as car accidents and get drawn into crimes like stealing.
More than 50 percent of rape sufferers are abused whilst drunk.
Girls who drink can also become easy targets for rape.

Risky sexual behaviour

Drinking lowers your defences and teens who drink are more likely to be sexually active and take unnecessary sexual risks such unprotected sex.
This could result in unwanted pregnancies, life threatening sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

Problems at school
A study of high school students found a strong connection between binge drinking, school dropouts and low academic aspirations.
To be continued next week.

The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014.