1. 7TH GRADE DRUG UNIT LESSON #2 Alcohol

2. Alcohol is a depressant drug. It has wide ranging effects on the body.

3. Brain/Central Nervous System Depressant Anesthetic Creates feeling of mild & pleasant stimulation Affects thinking, judgement, & reasoning Breathing and reflexes impaired Heavy drinking can cause brain to atrophy (breakdown) Over time brain/nervous system become less sensitive

4. Stomach Alcohol absorbed quickly from stomach to bloodstream Amount of food in stomach determines effect of alcohol Alcohol causes stomach to make acid Chronic drinking can cause stomach ulcers or cancer of the stomach, mouth, tongue and esophagus

5. Lungs Alcohol is exhaled when you breath causing your breath to smell High alcohol levels can cause breathing to stop, unconsciousness, coma or death

6. Liver Alcohol is metabolized in the liver Takes two hours for the body to fully metabolize one drink Alcoholics may have fat deposit on their liver which results in cirrhosis

7. Small Intestine Nearly all alcohol is absorbed from small intestine into bloodstream

8. Cardiovascular & Circulatory Systems Alcohol opens up blood vessels causing drinkers to feel warm even though their body temperature is dropping

9. Reproductive System Alcohol decreases production of testosterone Drinking during pregnancy can cause birth defects and mental retardation

10. Kidneys Alcohol increases the production of urine from the kidneys Drinking alcohol after exercising or in hot weather can increase risk of dehydration

11. Seven Factors Affecting Alcohol’s Impact Type of drink (beer, wine, whiskey, etc.) How quickly consumed Amount of food in stomach Body weight or build Mental/emotional state Surroundings Physical tolerance

12. REFUSAL SKILLS Act confident Have a friend along Use humor Make an excuse Plan your exit Suggest an alternative Delay your decision