Facts & Myths
What is the legal drinking age in Ontario?
19 years old.
Name one way alcohol affects the brain.
It can affect judgment, memory, coordination, or reaction time.
What is peer pressure?
Influence from other people to act a certain way.
Name one risk of drinking alcohol.
Poor decisions, accidents, injuries, or alcohol poisoning.
What does addiction mean in relation to alcohol?
A condition involving difficulty controlling alcohol use despite harmful consequences.
True or False: Coffee can sober someone up after drinking alcohol.
False. Only time allows the body to process alcohol.
What body organ mainly breaks down alcohol?
The liver.
Name one way to refuse a drink.
Say, 'No thanks,' or explain that you don't want to drink.
How can drinking affect school performance?
It can affect concentration, memory, attendance, and learning.
Can someone develop an alcohol problem even if they only drink on some occasions?
Yes. Risk depends on factors such as how much and how quickly they drink, and other individual factors.
What is the name of the substance in alcoholic drinks that causes intoxication?
Ethanol (alcohol).
How can alcohol affect a teenager's memory?
It can interfere with learning and forming memories.
What can you do if friends pressure you to drink?
Set a boundary, leave the situation if needed, and contact a trusted person.
What is alcohol poisoning?
A dangerous condition caused by having too much alcohol in the body.
Name one possible sign of an alcohol problem.
Cravings, difficulty cutting back, or alcohol interfering with school or relationships.
True or False: Someone can be affected by alcohol even if they don't feel drunk.
True
What does alcohol do to reaction time?
It slows reaction time.
A friend says everyone is drinking, so you should too. Is that a good reason to drink?
No. You can make your own decision regardless of what others do.
Name one warning sign of alcohol poisoning.
Confusion, repeated vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, or difficulty waking.
Why can it be hard for someone to stop drinking once they develop alcohol dependence?
The brain and body can adapt to alcohol, leading to cravings and sometimes withdrawal symptoms.
Why can drinking alcohol be especially risky for teenagers?
The brain is still developing, and alcohol can affect judgment, learning, and decision-making.
Why can alcohol affect teenagers differently from adults?
Their brains and bodies are still developing, and effects vary with factors such as body size and how much is consumed.
You are at a party and your friend has been drinking. What is a safe choice if you need to get home?
Arrange a sober, trusted ride or contact a trusted adult. Never ride with someone who has been drinking.
What should you do if someone may have alcohol poisoning?
Call 911, stay with them, and follow the emergency operator's instructions. Do not leave them alone.
Name two places a teenager can turn to for help with concerns about alcohol.
A trusted adult, school counsellor, doctor, or local addiction support service.