Alcohol
Choose a Future Without
Impacts on Your Mind & Body
Alcohol is a depressant that can alter a person’s perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing. It can also impact your physical health.
Alcohol Poisoning & How to Spot It
Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time can quickly affect your body. This poses a huge risk that can result in a coma or death.
Signs of alcohol poisoning
Confusion
Vomiting
Seizure
Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths a minute
Skin that looks blue, gray, or pale
Trouble staying awake
Low body temperature
What to do
Call 911, don't assume your friend will sleep it off
Don’t leave an unconscious person by themself. They could begin vomiting, choking, or having a hard time breathing.
Place them in the recovery position.
Making Safer Choices
Don't Drink & Drive
Impaired driving puts your life and others' at serious risk.
Consequences can be long-lasting, including:
- License suspension
- Fines
- Jail time
- Impacts on future college or career opportunities.
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For adults, a DUI is typically issued at a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.
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But for those under 21, the limit is much lower - just 0.02 - meaning even a small amount of alcohol in your system can result in a DUI.
What is Binge Drinking?
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A high-risk behavior defined as consuming a large number of drinks in a short period, typically within about two hours. For youth, binge drinking is about three drinks for girls and three to five for boys. This pattern of drinking significantly increases your risk of alcohol poisoning, serious injury, mental health challenges, certain cancers, and long-term alcohol dependence, among other risks. At elevations above 6,000 feet, reduced oxygen availability puts additional stress on the body, and drinking alcohol on top of that compounds the strain considerably, amplifying the effects of alcohol. Did you know? Girls have lower body water content than boys, meaning alcohol impacts them a lot stronger and quicker.
Watch Your Drink
If you’re at a party or anywhere drinks are being served, it’s important to keep an eye on your drink at all times. Don’t leave it unattended, and avoid accepting drinks from people you don’t know or trust. Drinks can be laced with substances, including roofies, without you noticing. These drugs can cause: - Drowsiness - Confusion - Reduced awareness - Memory loss Staying aware of your drink and looking out for friends can go a long way in keeping everyone safe.
How Alcohol Affects Consent
Being intoxicated can affect judgment, communication, and understanding what’s actually okay, which can lead to situations that people regret while also increasing the risk of STIs, sexual trauma, and unintended pregnancy.
Consent is a clear yes from everyone. It should be freely given. No pressure, no convincing. If someone is underage, asleep, drunk/high, or being pushed, they can’t consent.
If you feel like something has happened, especially something you did not want to do or consent to, reach out to ARISE for help.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
AUD is a medical condition where someone can't control or stop their drinking. Genetics, family history, mental health disorders, and starting to drink at a young age can all raise your risk of developing an AUD.
Signs of AUD:
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You spend a lot of time drinking or recovering from it
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You crave alcohol so badly you can't focus on anything else
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Your drinking is impacting school, work, or home life
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You continue drinking even when it hurt your relationships
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You drop hobbies or things you love to make time for drinking
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You put yourself in risky situations while drinking, like driving or having unsafe sex
AUDs are medical conditions that are TREATABLE. If you’re looking for help and/or treatment, check out these resources: ​
Choosing Your Future!
Scenarios to help you practice making descisions in different situations
1
You're at a party and someone hands you a drink. You didn't plan on drinking tonight, but everyone around you seems to be, and you don't want to feel left out.
If You Choose To Not Drink
If You Choose To Drink
You might feel more relaxed in the moment, but you're also risking your safety, your judgment, and how you'll feel tomorrow. One drink can turn into more, and decisions made while drinking are harder to control.
You stay in control of the night. Saying "I'm good, thanks" is easier than it sounds. You can still have fun, be social, and be the person your friends can count on if something goes wrong.
2
Your friends are making plans to drink this weekend and they're asking you to come. You really don’t want to, but you're worried that you'll get left out of the group if you don’t go.
If You Choose To Go
You might end up in a situation you're not comfortable with, feeling pressure to do things that don't feel right for you just to keep the peace. That's a tough spot to be in.
If You Choose To Not Go
Real friends respect your choices. You can suggest doing something else: hanging out, going to the movies, doing a craft, or going for a walk. You can also provide an excuse as to why you can't hang out that day.
3
It's junior year, and you're starting to think about college. Your older friend tells you that drinking at parties is “normal”.
If You Choose To Not Participate
If You Choose To Participate
Over time, alcohol affects your memory, focus, and overall health. These are all things that impact your relationships, grades, test scores, and day-to-day life.
Avoiding alcohol-related incidents helps protect your record and keep you safe.
Resources
Elevated Community Health offers affordable, caring health services that help people stay healthy in mind and body. You can get medical checkups, dental care, vision exams, and behavioral health support, including help with stress and anxiety. They also have school-based health centers at SHS and SMS, so students and families can access care easily and confidentially.
Stress, mood, and mental health can play a big role in turning to nicotine use. The team at Building Hope can help connect you with therapists, support groups, events, and mental health resources, so you can find the right support for anxiety, depression, or other challenges without relying on nicotine.
Young People in Recovery is a national, youth-focused organization that supports young people who are in - or working toward - recovery from substance use. The site highlights real stories, recovery tools, and ways to get involved, helping people see that recovery is possible and that they’re not alone.
Developed with input from both youth and community members, the platform offers research-based information, campaigns, and resources. The site focuses on building resilience, connection, and real-life decision-making skills, while encouraging you to delay substance use and explore positive alternatives.
I Am Sober is a recovery-focused app for those 18 and older, is designed to help individuals track their progress, build healthier habits, and stay motivated on their sobriety journey. Users can set goals, monitor milestones, and connect with a supportive community of others working toward similar changes..