Understanding alcohol
As you get older, you may see people drinking alcohol at parties, family events or when socialising with friends. You may be curious about alcohol or feel pressure to try it.
Some people drink once or twice and decide it is not for them. Others may find it harder to stop.
Alcohol can affect your physical health, mental health and decision-making. Understanding the risks can help you make informed choices.
Easy Read information
If you would like information in a simpler format, use NHS South of England Easy Read guides on alcohol. They explain:
- what alcohol is
- how it affects your body
- how to stay safe
How alcohol affects you
Alcohol affects the brain. This means it can change:
- how you think
- how you feel
- how you speak
- how you move
- how you make decisions
When people drink alcohol, they may:
- become more confident
- feel emotional
- take risks they would not normally take
- become argumentative or aggressive
- have trouble walking or talking clearly
Alcohol affects everyone differently. What feels safe for one person may not be safe for someone else.
For some young people with SEND, alcohol can create additional challenges. It may make it harder to understand risks, make decisions, recognise when someone is putting pressure on them or spot unsafe situations. Some young people may also find it more difficult to explain when something is wrong or ask for help.
Alcohol can affect concentration, emotions and decision-making. This may make everyday challenges harder to manage and can sometimes increase feelings of anxiety, stress or being overwhelmed.
If you take medication, alcohol may affect how it works or increase side effects. If you are unsure whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking medication, speak to a healthcare professional.
Staying safe when drinking
If you choose to drink alcohol when you are older, it is important to stay safe.
You can:
- stay with trusted friends
- keep your phone charged
- plan how you will get home
- eat before drinking alcohol
- drink water regularly
- tell someone if you feel unwell
Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol because other people are drinking. It is always okay to say no.
Helping a friend
If a friend has had too much alcohol, they may:
- slur their words
- struggle to walk
- become confused
- feel sick
- become very sleepy
Stay with them and try to move them somewhere safe and calm. Encourage them to drink water if they are awake and able to do so.
Call 999 immediately if someone:
- becomes unconscious
- has a seizure
- cannot be woken up
- is having trouble breathing
Calling 999 could save a life. You will not get into trouble for asking for emergency help.
Hangovers and long-term effects
Drinking too much alcohol can cause a hangover. You may:
- have a headache
- feel sick
- have stomach pain
- feel tired
- have diarrhoea
Regularly drinking too much alcohol can also damage your health over time. It can affect your mood, sleep and immune system, and increase the risk of serious illnesses.
If you are worried about your drinking, speak to a trusted adult, healthcare professional or support service.
Protect yourself from drink spiking
Drink spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink without their knowledge. This is a serious crime.
Signs that a drink may have been spiked include:
- feeling confused
- feeling unusually sleepy
- losing balance
- feeling sick
- not remembering what happened
To reduce the risk:
- keep your drink with you
- do not leave drinks unattended
- avoid accepting drinks from people you do not know
- look out for your friends and ask them to look out for you
If you think your drink has been spiked, tell someone you trust and get help straight away. Find out more at DrinkAware.
Get support
If you are worried about alcohol, support is available.
Trusted national information, advice and self-help resources include:
Local services offering information, advice and support include:
ChatHealth
You can text a school nurse through the ChatHealth service if you have questions about alcohol or your health. You do not have to give your name.
Support if someone else’s drinking affects you
If a parent, carer, sibling or another important person in your life drinks too much alcohol, SDAS can help through their Hidden Harm service. Young people aged 7 to 18 years old can access this support.
Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS)
SDAS provides free and confidential support for young people who want help with alcohol or drug use. They can offer advice, one-to-one support and help you make positive changes. For young people up to age 18, and up to age 25 for care leavers and some young people with SEND. Support is confidential and centred around the young person’s needs.
Admit Project
The Admit Project provides brief interventions for young people who attend Accident and Emergency because of an alcohol, drug or violence-related incident.