It is against Nevada law for any person under the age 21 to purchase, be in possession of, or consume any alcohol beverage. Any persons who violate this is guilty of a misdemeanor.
What is alcohol?
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol affects every organ in the body. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes. However, the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, leaving the excess alcohol to circulate throughout the body. The intensity of the effect of alcohol on the body is directly related to the amount consumed.
What is considered a "standard drink" in the United States?
One alcoholic drink equivalent is defined as containing 14 grams (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol. The following count as one alcoholic drink equivalent:
- 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol)
- 8 fluid ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol)
- 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol)
- 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol).
Is drinking a "rite of passage" that all people have to experience?
No it is not. Alcohol is glamorized by the media for one purpose: MONEY. Drinking is an expensive habit that isn't what it looks like on TV or in movies. It usually never ends up good and puts people in danger. But because of the hype and wrong information, some people believe that you have to drink to "fully live your life". When you break it all down, drinking alcohol is dangerous, unnecessary and harmful to the environment, your health and your financial stability. Underage drinking is not a "rite of passage", it's a crime. Your best life is substance-free.
How does drinking affect my brain?
The immediate effects of alcohol on the brain are due to its influence on the organ’s communication and information-processing pathways. Unfortunately, drinking too heavily or too rapidly can result in several adverse mental effects, such as confusion, impaired motor coordination, and declined decision-making ability. Continuing drinking despite recognizing signs of this can lead to alcohol overdose, sometimes referred to as “alcohol poisoning”. Prolonged drinking can also change how your brain is shaped and formed
Hover over the dots on the diagram to find out more about what alcohol does to your brain:
This is the prefrontal cortex, where planning, judgement, decision making, impulse control & language is stored. Alcohol distorts this area and makes us say and do things we normally would not do.2
This is the amygdala. It regulates emotional control & mood regulation. Alcohol generally increases anger and depression.3
This is the hippocampus. It retains memory and is where we learn. Alcohol makes it harder to remember things and study.4
This is the cerebellum, which the body relies on for awareness and coordination. Alcohol might make a person misjudge dangerous situations or be too uncoordinated to prevent accidents
How does drinking affect my body and growth?
Young brains and bodies grow and develop until age 25. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the brain and body. This can result in poor muscle control, slower reactions, sleep disruption, and poor vision. Alcohol can also cause high blood pressure, alcoholic hepatitis, pancreatitis, and stroke.
Percentage of high school students in Churchill County who have not participated in binge drinking during the 30 days before the survey
Percentage of high school students in Churchill County who thought it would be difficult to get alcohol if they wanted some
Percentage of high school students in Churchill County who have never drank alcohol