GRADUATION
Graduation is a time to celebrate. But before your graduates party, take the time
to talk with them about alcoholit just may save a life.
IT’S
ABOUT YOUR TEEN...
A teenager’s brain is still developing
and it is very sensitive to alcohol’s effects on judgment and decision-making.
ALCOHOL
CAN BE TRICKY...
If your graduates drink, they may temporarily
feel elated and happy, but they should not be fooled. Ask them to consider these
risks:
- Their
inhibitions and memory soon become affected—so they may say and do things that
they will regret and possibly will not remember doing at all.
- Their
decision-making skills are also affected. They may become restless and aggressive.
They may be more at risk for having an alcohol-related traffic crash, getting
into fights, trashing a house, or making unwise decisions about sex.
Then there is what happens to their physical control—loss of balance, slurred
speech, and blurred vision. Normal activities—even crossing a busy intersection—can
become truly dangerous.
TOO
MUCH ALCOHOL BECOMES A DEADLY POISON…
If your graduates drink enough,
they will eventually get sleepy and pass out. Reflexes like gagging and breathing
can be suppressed. That means they could vomit and choke to death or just stop
breathing. They may even be at risk for alcohol poisoning.
THINK
ABOUT IT!
If graduates drink too much, it can mean trips to the
emergency room, arrests, and sexual assaults. They could put themselves and their
friends in real danger. Ask them to consider this: Is that any way to celebrate?
TALK
WITH YOUR GRADUATE...
Research shows that parents do make a difference.
Talking with your graduate about alcohol now could prevent serious problems later.
REMEMBER...
Tell your graduate to play it safe and party right at graduation.