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.