Alcohol
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Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States.
Alcohol is also the most used substance by Milford youth.
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6.7% of Milford youth report that they have tried alcohol at least once in their lifetime.
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2% of Milford youth report past 30 day use of alcohol.
Ways Alcohol affects your body
Brain
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Even small amounts of alcohol can affect judgement and reactions making it heard to make good decisions or operate a vehicle safely.
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Alcohol can affect coordination and balance increasing risk of falls or injury.
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Heavy drinking can cause permanent damage with memory, thinking, and concentration.
Liver
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Heavy drinking can harm the liver leading to chronic diseases such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, or cancer.
Heart
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long term drinking can damage the heart leading to increased risk of heart attack or stroke due to elevations in blood pressure.
Lungs
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Heavy drinking hurts the immune system increasing susceptibility to lung infections.
Stomach
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Alcohol irritates the stomach and can lead to nausea or vomiting.
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Heavy drinking can cause bleeding and ulcer formation.
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Alcohol use can also increase risk of stomach cancer.
Pancreas
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Heavy drinking can harm the pancreas increasing risk of Type II diabetes.
Throat/Mouth
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Alcohol increases risk of throat, mouth, esophagus, and larynx cancer.
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What is a standard serving size for a drink?
Ways to Reduce Youth Alcohol Use
1. Talk. They are Listening. The most impactful way to reduce your child's risk of using alcohol is by talking to them about where you stand on underage drinking. Our kids are listening. Parents are the #1 influence on their kids during adolescence.
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2. Reduce Access. Consider keeping alcohol locked at home or using liquor stickers so you know if opened bottles have been used.
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3. Model safe alcohol consumption practices. Our kids are always watching. Model safe alcohol consumption practices, do not serve to underage individuals, have a sober driver, or use Uber/Lyft, include food when using alcohol, and alternate water with an alcoholic beverage to reduce the chance overindulging.
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Don't know where to start? We can help! Email: info@milfordprevention.org for more information.
