The Low Down on Alcohol

The Low Down on Alcohol is a well-produced Australian video. A montage of diverse teenagers  provide an overview of the impact of alcohol on young developing brains. A comprehensive range of alcohol-related effects are covered in plain and accessible language, including the impact on memory, risk-taking and mental health. Particular attention is paid to social consequences that are likely to resonate with young students, such as embarrassment and alcohol-induced amnesia. There is a focus on harm minimisation with practical tips for planning ahead when drinking, how to know you might have had enough, and what to do if you or someone you know is showing signs of alcohol-related problems. The video maps onto several Alcohol and other Drugs (AD) components of Australian Health and Physical Education curriculum for Year 9–10. The video, however, is quite short, so it is more suited as an introduction to a more nuanced discussion about the health impact of alcohol rather than as a standalone resource.

* Review provided by researchers at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney.