Wrap up

Alcohol has a complex set of effects on us

• You need to be 18 years or older to drink alcohol.
• It’s poisonous and messes with your nervous system.
• It has consistent physical and mental effects, reducing our ability to perform complex tasks.
• Its social, emotional and behavioural effects vary, and are influenced by a combination of social norms and expectations, as well as the immediate environment.

Our behaviour around alcohol—including when drunk—is heavily influenced by social norms

• These norms cover all sorts of aspects of who can drink, when, where and why.
• Norms vary across countries, cultures and groups
• Some of these norms are harmful and we should challenge them.
• Harmful norms can and should be replaced with more helpful norms.

Alcohol affects every aspect of the Field Model, and can make it harder to negotiate consent

• It’s harder to Stop Ask Listen.
• It’s easier to say yes to decisions you’ll regret.
• It can be harder to communicate a no.
• Alcohol doesn’t cause line moves, but it’s a risk factor.
• Alcohol can increase the need for people to step in.

We have a variety of laws that control how we use alcohol

• You need to be 18 years or older to drink.
• You can’t be drunk in public.
• Only licensed stores can sell alcohol.
• You can’t drive or operate heavy machinery when drunk.
• You can’t give consent when drunk.