Alcohol
Did You Know that most youth in Hawaii choose not to drink alcohol until they are 21!
Hawaii’s Social Norms
80% of high school students and 90% of middle school students chose not to drink.
Teens who choose not to drink often have higher grades and are less likely to have an alcohol addiction later in life.
Why is the Drinking Age 21?
It's no secret that the legal age for purchasing or consuming alcohol is 21 years old, but why? While the alcohol tolerance of an individual is dependent on a wide variety of factors, young people are more susceptible to alcohol addiction and the effects of alcohol since their brains are still developing. By age 21, the brain becomes more fully developed and mature, reducing the risk of addiction and permanent damage caused by alcohol consumption.
Our friends over at Wait21.org explain the science of addiction and how drinking before 21 can be especially dangerous to your health. Check them out!
Hawaii Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking (HPPUD)
HPPUD is a partnership that the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii has whose mission is to “to prevent or delay the early onset of substance misuse, including underage drinking, through collaborative planning and community action.” Check out their great website here!
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
Hawaii’s Youth choose to avoid the following side effects by choosing not to drink alcohol.
Immediate
Slower reactions
Aggression
Poor decision making
Loss of balance and coordination
Slurred speech, confusion
Increased risk taking
Nausea and vomiting
Alcohol poisoning
Long-Term
Muscle disease and tremors
Cirrhosis of the liver
Nutritional deficiency, ulcers, and gastritis
Brain damage
Increased blood pressure
Increased risk of cancer
Bad skin, hair, and nails
Alcohol Poisoning leading to death
Quick Facts
Addiction is hard to overcome but it is never too late to seek help. Call or text 988 or visit the Hawaii CARES website.
You cannot always tell how strong a drink is by its size nor its taste.
Binge drinking is drinking too much too fast in two hours.
Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency and can happen to anyone. See how it played a role in taking the life of a local 15-year-old girl.
