The effects of alcohol
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol on the body and mind.
Key learning points
- Alcohol consumption can have short-term effects such as impaired judgement and coordination.
- Long-term alcohol misuse can lead to serious health issues including liver damage and addiction.
- Alcohol consumption can lead to a vicious cycle of poor mental health, including depression and anxiety.
- Alcohol can negatively impact a person and can lead to relationship breakdowns, financial troubles and dependency.
Keywords
Short-term effects - in this context, immediate consequences of alcohol consumption, such as, impaired judgement and coordination
Long-term effects - in this context, health issues that arise from prolonged alcohol misuse, including liver damage and addiction
Alcohol dependency - a feeling of needing alcohol to carry out normal daily activities
Misuse - using something in the wrong way
Common misconception
Alcohol can only effect the body if consumed in large amounts.
Alcohol can impact the body even if only consumed casually. Alcohol impacts the brain and can lead to impaired judgement and engaging in risky behaviour.
Teacher tip
You might want to speak to your RSHE lead before teaching this lesson. You could consider adapting the lesson to include information about the health information and resources linked to your educational setting.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to the correct definition.
a substance containing ethanol which can impair judgement
the minimum age at which a person is allowed to do something by law
the consumption of alcohol when below the legal drinking age
a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act
Q2.What is the legal age for alcohol consumption in the UK?
Q3.True or false? Alcohol always makes a person feel good.
Q4.It is an to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone under 18.
Q5.True or false? Underage drinking can impact your future.
Q6.What is the maximum consequence for using a fake ID?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their correct definition
immediate consequences of alcohol consumption
health issues that arise from prolonged alcohol misuse
in this context, a feeling of needing alcohol to carry out daily tasks
using something in the wrong way
Q2.True or false? Alcohol only affects the body if consumed in large amounts.
Q3.Alcohol is broken down by the and long-term misuse can cause it serious damage.
Q4.Alcohol is a and can amplify low mood.
Q5.Alcohol can a person’s judgement and make them engage in risky behaviours.
Q6.True or false? The only thing that alcohol misuse affects is a person's health.
To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: The effects of alcohol, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: The effects of alcohol, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Risky substances: What do I need to know about alcohol? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.