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Lesson 2 of 3
  • Year 8

The effects of alcohol

I can explain the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol on the body and mind.

Lesson 2 of 3
New
New
  • Year 8

The effects of alcohol

I can explain the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol on the body and mind.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Alcohol consumption can have short-term effects such as impaired judgement and coordination.
  2. Long-term alcohol misuse can lead to serious health issues including liver damage and addiction.
  3. Alcohol consumption can lead to a vicious cycle of poor mental health, including depression and anxiety.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: The effects of alcohol, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:alcohol,a substance containing ethanol which can impair judgement

a substance containing ethanol which can impair judgement

Correct Answer:legal age,the minimum age at which a person is allowed to do something by law

the minimum age at which a person is allowed to do something by law

Correct Answer:underage drinking,the consumption of alcohol when below the legal drinking age

the consumption of alcohol when below the legal drinking age

Correct Answer:offence,a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act

a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act

Q2.
What is the legal age for alcohol consumption in the UK?

17
Correct answer: 18
20
21

Q3.
True or false? Alcohol always makes a person feel good.

Correct Answer: false, incorrect, F, not true

Q4.
It is an to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone under 18.

Correct Answer: offence, crime, illegal act, breach of a law, illegal

Q5.
True or false? Underage drinking can impact your future.

Correct Answer: true, correct, T, yes

Q6.
What is the maximum consequence for using a fake ID?

a verbal warning from police
a community service sentence
Correct answer: a fine and a prison sentence

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their correct definition

Correct Answer:short-term effects,immediate consequences of alcohol consumption

immediate consequences of alcohol consumption

Correct Answer:long-term effects,health issues that arise from prolonged alcohol misuse

health issues that arise from prolonged alcohol misuse

Correct Answer:alcohol dependency,in this context, a feeling of needing alcohol to carry out daily tasks

in this context, a feeling of needing alcohol to carry out daily tasks

Correct Answer:misuse,using something in the wrong way

using something in the wrong way

Q2.
True or false? Alcohol only affects the body if consumed in large amounts.

Correct Answer: False, F, incorrect, not true

Q3.
Alcohol is broken down by the and long-term misuse can cause it serious damage.

kidneys
Correct answer: liver
large intestine
brain

Q4.
Alcohol is a and can amplify low mood.

Correct Answer: depressant

Q5.
Alcohol can a person’s judgement and make them engage in risky behaviours.

install
inherit
Correct answer: impair

Q6.
True or false? The only thing that alcohol misuse affects is a person's health.

Correct Answer: False, F, Incorrect, Not true