By the age of 13 years, most young people have experimented with the drug of popular choice – alcohol.

Alcohol is the most widely used over the counter drug in the UK, it is associated with having fun and being sociable but for many people it will cost them their health, their family, their jobs, their homes and even their lives.

It is estimated that over 90% of the British population drink alcohol and the consumption of alcohol amongst young people has risen steadily in the last decade.

Young people may be particularly at risk from the effects of alcohol for the following reasons:  

1.      Their bodies are still developing and the alcohol may disrupt this process

2.      Their bodies are smaller and they are therefore more likely to be affected by smaller amounts of alcohol

      3.     Their bodies are not used to alcohol

For more information about alcohol, the effects it has and the harm it causes please follow the links to the left of this page.