Prescription Drugs & Opioids
If you have prescription drugs that need to be disposed of please visit one of the Rx drop boxes in Fallon.
To learn more please click here.
What is prescription drug abuse?
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
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.
Local Statistics
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