Alcohol and Health
Massapequa’s youth are facing significant challenges related to alcohol use.
Nearly 30% of Massapequa high school students (grades 11/12) report binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more drinks in a row on at least one occasion within the past two weeks. This behavior can increase risks to their health and well-being.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drinking before the age of 21 is linked to a variety of potential risks, including alcohol poisoning, unintentional injuries, mental health challenges, and difficulties in school. It can also increase the likelihood of alcohol dependence later in life and may be associated with other risky behaviors, such as smoking, drug use, and unsafe sexual practices.
Massapequa Youth (grades 11/12) report experiencing problems after drinking:*
*New York Partnership for Success Student Survey: Massapequa Union Free School District (Grades 7-12)
**2022 NYS OASAS PFS YDS Survey (grades 7 to 12)
Read more about how alcohol affects the human body:
Brain
Alcohol can affect the brain’s communication pathways, which may impact mood, behavior, and coordination. These changes can make it more difficult to think clearly and move with ease.
Heart
Drinking excessively, whether over time or in a single occasion, can put strain on the heart. This may lead to conditions such as cardiomyopathy (a weakening of the heart muscle), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), and may increase the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.
Liver
Heavy drinking can affect the liver and lead to a range of conditions, including fatty liver (steatosis), alcoholic hepatitis, and more serious liver issues like fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Pancreas
Alcohol can cause the pancreas to produce harmful substances, potentially leading to pancreatitis, an inflammation that affects digestion and can cause significant discomfort.
Cancer
Research has shown a connection between alcohol consumption and the risk of several types of cancer. The more alcohol a person drinks, particularly over an extended period, the higher the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers. To learn more about the clear patterns that have emerged between alcohol consumption and the development of cancer, click here.
The Developing Teen Brain >>
Underage Drinking and The Law >>