STUDENT VICES

Smoking, drinking and drugs. You are likely to be presented with some, or all of these as a student, so here are the facts you need to know in order to make the right choices for you

When thinking about smoking, drinking and drugs, you need to weigh up the possible risks and think ahead about what choices you want to make when presented with these things. After weighing up the facts, whatever you decide must be up to you. It’s not OK to be pressured into doing something that makes you uncomfortable. Whatever you do decide, make sure you stay within the law.

Smoking Alcohol

While alcohol is easily obtained, many forget that it can be dangerous. As with most things, moderation is key as alcohol can be addictive. Those who drink before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than anyone who starts drinking at age 20. As a young adult, your body and mind are still developing, and being drunk can make you vulnerable.

You lose your inhibitions when you drink alcohol so you might do things that you wouldn’t normally do when sober. When drunk, you may become violent, get injured or have unprotected sex. Being drunk isn’t a good idea at any age, but when you’re young, it could put you in situations that are potentially life-changing in the long-term. If you are drinking, keep yourself safe by drinking lots of water and always look out for your mates.

“Smoking kills.” There’s a reason why the government makes advertisers print this on cigarette packages; smoking will damage your health. And the earlier you pick up a cigarette, the more damage you’ll do. A smoker who starts at 15 years old is three times more likely to die of cancer than a person who starts smoking in their mid-20s. Lung capacity decreases when you smoke, which means that every bit of exercise can become a chore, and regular exercise is essential for everybody. Smoking also leads to stained teeth, dull, wrinkled skin, and bad breath. After years of sustained smoking the lungs can develop irreversible breathing disorders like emphysema. It’s expensive, too; on average, it will cost you £27.54 per week. In a lifetime, the average smoker spends a whopping £90,000 on cigarettes.