45% of emergency-room visits are alcohol related. Of these visits, approx 29% are drunk-driving fatalities. (2007) A blood alcohol level of 0.5% (which is below the legal level for most states), makes a person two times more likely to be in a car crash.

PSSSST…. People also tend to become more  aggressive when they’re drunk, causing fights. These fights can lead to serious injuries or arrest.  Pretty colors!!! Alcohol can make you forget to strap up….

·        Alcohol disorientates people and can allow contraception to “slip your mind”.

·        This drunk unprotected sex can result in not only unplanned pregnancy but STD reception as well. 

SEXUAL ASSAULT…While under the influence, the body is way less aware of dangerous people in its environment. (FLIP THE SWITCH) The body is also in less control of its actions and could potentially harm someone else.

·        Slowed reaction time from alcohol can allow someone to be forced to engage in sexual activity. It can also cause someone to consent to sexual acts they’re not in the right mind to perform or consent to.  

KEEP IN MIND: Victims of sexual assault and rape are all genders and ages.   

YO, it’s like this: You have sex without a condom for one night, and could end up living with either a child or a major STI like AIDs for the rest of your life…Use condoms!!!!  

WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENS TO YOU BODY WHEN YOU CONSUME ALCOHOL?

Alcohol’s effects on your body depend on:

·        Weight and height

·        BMI (Body Mass Index)

·        Amount consumed

·        Age

·        Overall health

·        What are you drinking?  Ex. Vodka, Beer, Wine, Whiskey, Rum...etc.   

SHORT TERM EFFECTS:

·        Slurred speech, difficulty in walking, blurred vision, aggression

·        Impaired judgment (which is the reason why people who consume alcohol shouldn’t drink, drive, or  engage in sexual activity).

·        BLACKOUTS (which can cause the victim to forget previous activity).  

LONG TERM EFFECTS:

·        Alcohol can permanently damage the brain and cause liver and kidney failure.  

What EXACTLY  happens to your body when you consume drugs? The effects of drugs, just like those of alcohol depend on

·        Weight and height

·        The drug consumed

·        Amount of time the drug was consumed (days, months, years..etc)

THERE ARE FOUR CATEGORIES OF DRUGS:

STIMULANTS Drugs that cause the body to go into overdrive (increasing heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure). When a large amount of a stimulant drug is consumed, heart failure and seizures occur.

EXAMPLES OF STIMULANT DRUGS:

·        Cocaine {crack or coke}

·        Amphetamine {speed or uppers}

·        Metamphetamines {meth, crystal, ice}

·        Coffee (believe it or not)   

DEPRESSANTS:  Slow down the brain and can lead to an over-active brain and eventual seizures. Consumers of depressants are especially likely to develop a tolerance of the drug, which means the user has to take in more in order to get high.

EXAMPLES OF DEPRESSANTS:

·        Tranquilizers

·        Sedatives

·        Alcohols [As mentioned above]

·        Barbiturates{V’s, Blue Devils}   

HALLUCINOGENS:  Cause hallucinations and slowed reactions.  

EXAMPLES OF HALLUCINOGENS:

·        Marijuana (WEED) 

·        LSD

·        PCP

·        Mushrooms  

INHALANTS: Are mind-altering substances that are inhaled. Can result in SSD (Sudden Sniffing Death), permanent loss of memory, limb spasms, brain, bone, liver and kidney damage, and hearing loss.

EXAMPLES OF INHALANTS:   

·        Glue

·        Felt-tip pens (Sharpies)

·        Hair-spray