By Saskia 8W

In this project, we explored the critical issue of alcohol’s dangers and the consequences of unsafe use of the substance. We presented our knowledge through ‘stalls’ that aimed to teach our classmates about our chosen research topics of alcohol. There were a vast range of mediums used to convey information throughout each stall, from quizzes to videogames. Our group created a simple but effective ‘Quizziz’ that allowed players to learn about the dangers and health risks of drinking through a fun and competitive quiz.

What were the biggest things you learnt while completing this task?

The most important things I learnt while completing this task was the dangers of drinking and how they heavily outweigh the very limited benefits of drinking alcohol.

For my role for the assessment, I was tasked with researching alcohol’s mental health effects. I learnt that for some people, alcohol can act as a short-term antidepressant. This, however, is a benefit greatly outweighed by harmful long-term effects; as alcohol directly alters the chemical in the brain, it is proven to increase mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and more. This is a significant and very relevant issue that must be addressed as it affects approx. 25% of people aged 18 or older. Many people worldwide are affected by this, hence the need for proper education to discourage people from drinking unsafe amounts of alcohol.

Other facts about alcohol I learnt by reading my group members’ research highlighted the risks of binge drinking (i.e. consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short time period). The harmful effects of binge drinking are much more severe than regular, spaced out drinking; some symptoms/effects include blackouts, liver failure, an increased risk of cancer, heart failure, low blood pressure, vomiting, seizures, impaired memory, obesity, and aggression.

However, as seen in the statistics, many teenagers still choose to drink – they either ignore the life-threatening effects alcohol may have or are ignorant to it. The main reason for this is because of social pressures; wanting to fit in with peers by putting up a ‘bad’ or ‘daredevil’ self-image. Myths and misinformation also contribute to teenagers and young people trying alcohol, thinking that they would ‘feel good’ while drinking it (this is dangerously untrue).

Lastly, I also learnt about alcohol laws, and how they are vital for protecting us, especially younger people. There are laws that prohibit drink driving which would reduce the amount of accidents on the road. In Australia, you must be over the age of 18 to buy or sell alcohol and all alcohol must display the amount of standard drinks it contains on the packaging. In some places, alcohol is banned as to provide a safer environment for everyone given the substance’s risks.

What one piece of advice would you pass on to young teenagers above all else? Why?

My piece of advice I would pass on to young teenagers is that given alcohol’s risky and life-threatening effects, I believe the safest and most healthy option is to not drink at all. Even though in a social setting or a place where you may feel pressured to drink, I don’t think it is ever worth the symptoms stated in the paragraph before as it can pose a large danger to you and others. Alcohol is definitely not the only way to make friends, in fact it could potentially make you less socially adept due to the effects it may carry to the drinker such as mental illness or aggression.

I chose to pass this piece of advice as I think that all alcohol-related problems can be prevented by simply not drinking at all. I would want all the future generations to enjoy life safely without any health risks that alcohol possesses.

Write down a pledge that you will commit to if you start drinking alcohol (at the legal age of 18 years).Why did you pick these things to commit to? How will you stick to these commitments?

If I choose to start drinking alcohol, I will always be vigilant and drink in as safe of an environment as possible. This includes drinking as little amounts as possible (e.g. diluted drinks) or drinking alcohol as infrequently as possible in spaced-out periods of time. This also includes the physical environment I would drink alcohol in, for example I would much rather be in a trusted friend’s home with support if anything goes wrong than in a party full of strangers. I will have an emergency plan if anything does go wrong by practicing calling the right numbers (e.g. a trusted adult/friend/parent and the paramedics if necessary) and will exercise an action plan. This involves good communication with the people around me to ensure everything goes right; for example, if I am unconscious I would want my friends to lie me down in a position that ensures the opening of my airway.

I picked these things to commit to as to make sure that I can avoid all the negative and dangerous effects of alcohol as listed above to stay healthy and in my best condition. I will try as hard as I can to be conscious and educated about all of alcohol’s risks too. I will stick to these commitments by referring to them if I ever choose to drink, and ensuring good communication with others to make sure my decision is the best one I can make.