SMC Wellbeing
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs are substances that change the way we feel and the way we act. In New Zealand as there is a large binge drinking culture, binge drinking is consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time, this leaves irreversible damage on your brain as it kills brain cells. You are also more likely to participate in sexual behaviours that you would not usually do, for example by having unprotected sex with a stranger. This can cause you to get a variety of sexually transmitted diseases including STIs, you could feel very upset and regretful of the situation and you could get an unwanted pregnancy.
Laws around drinking
The legal purchasing age for alcohol is 18 years old. While there is no drinking age it is illegal to supply alcohol to anyone under 18 years of age unless you are the parent or legal guardian.
What does this mean for you?
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You can not purchase alcohol until you are 18 years old and you will need to produce an ID that you are 18.
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Your parents (or legal guardian) can provide alcohol in a responsible way to you if you are under 18.
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You can not be supplied alcohol by anyone else. This includes older brothers or sisters, aunties, grandparents, friends who are 18 or parents of your friends.
Why is alcohol not good for young people?
More information on alcohol
The following site has excellent information on the following
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What is a standard drink?
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Interactive tools
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Advice on alcohol
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What alcohol does to your body?
Drugs
There are many different types of drugs that teenagers are likely to experiment with and all can become addictive. Some signs of drug abuse include mood swings, loss of interest in activities that they once enjoyed, withdrawal and depression. Teens are also likely to have learning problems as drug abuse damages both your short and long term memory.
How to stay safe?
While drinking is not recommended under the age of 18, here are some tips to keep yourself safe if you do drink.
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Make sure you eat food and drink water.
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Drink in moderation by taking your time eg one drink standard drink per hour.
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Do not take drinks from strangers.
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Before you go out also plan your night, know how you will be getting home and or where you will be staying.
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Make sure you look after your friends. Do not leave anyone behind and take care of your friends.
Where to get help?
Alcohol / Drug Help line
Call 0800 787 797 or text 8681
Alcohol
Short-term effects
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Positive effects are that Alcohol can make you feel more relaxed, confident and or sociable. (This is only positive if you have 1 or 2 standard drinks)
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Negative effects can be feeling tired, become more anxious, tearful or even aggressive.
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While alcohol may make you feel good in the moment it is actually a depressant and links
with peoples feelings of depression and or anxiety making it harder to deal with stress.
Therefore this can also affect your school or work.
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Drugs and alcohol make us lose control over our bodies making it harder for you to do
simple tasks as you are not in control of your body.
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Excessive amounts can cause vomiting, nausea, and inability to control your bladder or bowels.
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They reduce your ability to concentrate and make you lose control of your body as your
reflexes and coordination slows. The effects all depend on your weight, when you last ate and
your metabolism as it affects your bodies ability to be able to process the alcohol or drugs you
are putting into your body.
Smoking
Long-term effects
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Addiction
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lungs will have a lower level of function than people who have never smoked and are more likely to suffer from shortness of breath than teens who don’t smoke. Smoking damages both teenagers both performance and endurance during physical fitness.
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On average, a person who smokes 1 or more packs of cigarettes a day lives approximately 7 years less than a person who has never smoked.
Alcohol
Long-term effects
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Teenagers are likely to experiment with a variety of substances which can lead to substance abuse and addiction. As a young person you are more likely to struggle with addiction later on in life
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By binge drinking regularly you will have permanent and irreversible brain damage.
Smoking
Smoking
Teenagers are likely to smoke cigarettes when drinking alcohol. In cigarettes there is an addictive
chemical called Nicotine in the tobacco.
Short-term effects
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Non respiratory and respiratory effects
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The risk of leading onto other drug use
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Smoking can be the cause of other risky behaviors, for example fighting and unprotected sex.
