Underage drinking can put children at increased risk of physical and social harm. Often people make light about their first experiences with alcohol.

However, if children drink there can be a very heavy price to pay both physically and emotionally. They need to have the risks spelled out to them, and the sooner the better.

Alcohol poisoning
Anyone who drinks a lot in a short space of time can suffer alcohol poisoning. The level of alcohol gets so high that the brain’s vital functions, which include breathing control, are blocked. Each year some children die like that. Even if the breathing is not stopped, people who slip into an alcohol coma may die by choking on their own vomit.

Accidents and injuries
Just as with adults, alcohol can reduce a child’s mental and physical abilities, affecting judgment and co-ordination, which can lead to trouble. Research shows adolescents who tested positive for alcohol were more likely to get injured or have accidents than non-drinkers.
More worrying still, they’re more likely to be a passenger in a drink-driving incident.

Unprotected sex
When children drink, their decision-making skills are affected and they’re more likely to take big risks, like having unprotected sex.
That can lead to sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. Research shows that even getting drunk just once is associated with an increased risk of teenage pregnancy.

Just for today
If I need help, I will ask for it. I will put humility into action in my life.

The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014.
The AA Winterton branch hosts meetings every Thursday at the Springfield Church opposite the police station from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Dolly on 071 688 5330 or Virgilo on 079 688 0432.