1. Alcohol – What it is and how it affects the body A. Kinds of Alcohol
1. Methyl – Wood Alcohol – used in antifreezes and fuels
a . Poisonous
b. Should never be consumed

2. Denatured – Isopropyl – rubbing alcohol, poisonous

3. Ethyl – Grain Alcohol- drinking alcohol Made from grains – example – beer made from barley

4. the alcohol only makes you think you are doing better.
Effects of Alcohol
Short Term
goes into the bloodstream approximately 30 seconds
Alcohol to the brain in about 3 minutes – loss of co-ordination of body movements
Increased reaction time
People often feel that their driving ability has improved but in reality it has deteriorated and
the alcohol only makes you think you are
doing better.

5. Extremely high levels of alcohol may depress the breathing centers so much that the person stops breathing and dies. This person usually passes out or vomits first.
Sight is the first thing affected by alcohol – A person becomes less able to distinguish between different intensities of light.
Alcohol interferes with both the storage and retrieval of information.
Alcohol kills brain cells
Capillaries dilate
Skin temperature goes up
Body core temperature wants to go down
Cerebrum, Cerebellum and Medulla are affected in that order, etc. mental confusion, loss of inhibitions, poor motor coordination

6. Nerves start to break down
Long Range Affects
Stomach damage
Liver – since 90% of alcohol taken in is metabolized in liver – liver is irritated also
Since alcohol is high in calories it can contribute to a weight problem
Nerves start to break down

8. Alcohol affects both the health and safety of the individual and community
How does alcohol affect the individual-health and safety
Acts to destroy the digestive system
Brain cells damaged
Family relations
Job
Economic status
Social standing in Community
More chance for accidents

9. How does it affect the community
Vandalism – teenage
Robbery by alcoholics to buy alcohol
Taxpayer funds go to rehabilitate alcoholics
Driving conditions are hazardous
Welfare – alcoholics and families on welfare

10. Alcoholism is a disease that has many causes
Alcoholism is a disease that has many causes. It affects people in different ways and it can be treated.
Alcoholism is the compulsive desire for alcohol, which prohibits normal and healthy living.
Alcoholism should be thought of as a disease, regardless of its cause, the alcoholic should be treated an as ill person, not a condemned sinner
Alcoholism is not a problem of self-discipline because of this was true, it would be possible for a reformed alcoholic to return to social drinking. One drink however may return and alcoholic back to alcoholism.