Question

please read the article and answer questions 1 - 10. we will discuss this in our class meeting today.

1. what is the legal drinking age in the united states?
2. do you think it should be lowered? why or why not? please explain.
3. do you agree or disagree with the statement, “drunk driving is a leading cause of death among teens in the u.s.”? please explain your answer
4. what is your opinion of the statistics of the current rate of alcohol consumption? do you think the rates are higher or lower? please explain.
5. what is binge drinking? do you think there is a problem in brentwood high school with binge drinking among students? please explain.
6. what impairments are caused by drinking when driving. please list them all.
7. what does a “blackout” mean?
8. what impact does drinking have on the brain?
9. alcohol poisoning can be fatal? what should you do if you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning?
10. what are the signs of alcohol use in teens?

Explanation:

1. In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, set by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act to reduce drunk - driving related deaths.
2. Opinions on lowering the age vary. Some may argue for lowering it to align with other countries or due to the maturity of 18 - year - olds, while others oppose it to protect young people's health and reduce accidents.
3. Drunk driving among teens is a significant cause of death in the U.S. due to teens' inexperience and the impairing effects of alcohol on judgment and reaction time.
4. Statistics on alcohol consumption rates can be influenced by factors like survey methods and cultural changes. Some may think rates are higher due to increased awareness, while others may see them as lower with prevention efforts.
5. Binge drinking is consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short time. Whether there is a problem in Brentwood High School would depend on local surveys and observations.
6. Drinking while driving can cause impairments such as reduced reaction time, impaired judgment, blurred vision, and loss of coordination.
7. A "blackout" in the context of alcohol means a period of amnesia during which a person may engage in activities but have no recollection later, usually due to high blood - alcohol levels.
8. Drinking can have various impacts on the brain, including damage to brain cells, impaired memory formation, and changes in mood and behavior.
9. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal as it can depress the central nervous system. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, call emergency services immediately.
10. Signs of alcohol use include slurred speech, unsteady gait, impaired judgment, and the smell of alcohol on the breath.

Answer:

1. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21.
2. Opinions vary. Some may say yes for reasons like maturity at 18, others no to protect youth health and reduce accidents.
3. Agree, as teens' inexperience and alcohol - related impairments contribute to it being a leading cause of death.
4. Varying opinions based on factors like survey methods and prevention efforts.
5. Binge drinking is high - volume alcohol consumption in a short time. Whether a problem in Brentwood High School depends on local data.
6. Reduced reaction time, impaired judgment, blurred vision, loss of coordination.
7. A period of amnesia due to high blood - alcohol levels.
8. Damage to brain cells, impaired memory, mood and behavior changes.
9. Yes, it can be fatal. Call emergency services if suspected.
10. Slurred speech, unsteady gait, impaired judgment, alcohol smell on breath.