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Underage drinking

Alcohol is a powerful drug which can sometimes get you into trouble, can cause health problems and make you vulnerable, physically and emotionally. This is a lot more likely when you’re young. If you know someone who’s drinking underage, are they doing it because of pressure from others? Remember:  

  • Unless you're 18 it's illegal for you to buy alcohol anyway - or for others to buy it for you - though you can sit down for a meal in a restaurant and have beer, cider or wine if you're 16 or 17 accompanied by an adult. 
  • If a friend loses consciousness because he or she is too drunk, you have to make sure they're breathing. Lie them on their side with their leg bent toward their chest - the recovery position - and make sure they're breathing through the mouth, then call a responsible adult or 999. If outside, keep them warm but not too hot.
  • If you do drink, do it safely: don't overdo it, make sure you're with people you know and don't go off with strangers, and never get into a car with someone who's been drinking at the wheel.

When you’re underage, the more you drink, the more you're at risk of becoming involved in a fight or having unsafe sex, or being targeted by criminals. There's more information about alcohol through the links below.

Useful contacts

  • Childline - alcohol

    You can phone Childline about any problem when growing up, including if you're worried about alcohol or someone else's use of alcohol. More advice on the website.

  • DAN 24/7

    Free confidential help and advice for anyone in Wales wanting further information and help relating to drugs and alcohol. Bilingual service.

  • TheSite.org

    TheSite.org is a well established website and online community which covers many topics of interest from advice on drugs, alcohol and addiction to help with unplanned pregnancy or if you parents are splitting up. Advice also if you've lost someone close. It's full of stories, message boards and comments and advice on everything. Appropriate helpline referrals for each topic are given throughout.

  • Talk to Frank

    Though taking drugs is illegal, talking about them isn't. Good advice given about any drug through Talk to Frank, by e-mail or by ringing the confidential helpline. Lots of information on the site itself, including details of local groups that can help if you're worried.

  • ClicOnline

    A web channel with a wealth of information about all kinds of subjects for those between 11-25 years old, living in Wales. This includes what's on, your health, education and other important topics as you grow up.

  • Al-Anon

    Al-Anon offers understanding and support for families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they are still drinking or not. They have groups and meetings across Wales, details of which can be found on the website. They also run a service aimed specifically at teenagers to help them cope with family members who might be drinking too much called Alateen.

© 2012 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales