1. Alcohol A product that is only legal for those that are 21 years of age, alcohol is a depressant that comes from organic sources including grapes, grains and berries. These products are fermented and distilled into a liquid. Alcohol affects every part of the body. It is carried through the bloodstream to the brain, stomach, internal organs, liver, kidneys, muscles – everywhere. It is absorbed very quickly (as short as 5 - 10 minutes) and can stay in the body for several hours

2. Alcohol The Path of Alcohol in the body Mouth: alcohol enters the body. Stomach: some alcohol gets into the bloodstream in the stomach, but most goes on to the small intestine. Small Intestine: alcohol enters the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine. Heart: pumps alcohol throughout the body. Brain: alcohol reaches the brain. Liver: alcohol is oxidized by the liver at a rate of about 1 drink per hour.

3. Alcohol Alcohol affects the central nervous system and brain. It can make users loosen up, relax, and feel more comfortable, or can make them more aggressive. Unfortunately, it also lowers their inhibitions, which can set them up for embarrassing or dangerous behavior. In fact, each year approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking. This statistic includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle accidents; 1,600 homicides; 300 suicides; and hundreds of others stemming from injuries such as falls, burns and drowning.

4. A standard drink is: One 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler; One 5-ounce glass of wine; or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

5. Alcohol transfers from the blood into the alveolar air sacs in the lungs. As a result, it is possible to predict with a high degree of accuracy, the blood alcohol concentration at that same point in time.

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8. Alcohol Motor coordination. This includes the ability to walk, drive and process information. Impulse control. Drinking lowers inhibitions and increases the chances that a person will do something that they will regret when they are sober.

9. Alcohol Memory. Impaired recollection and even blackouts can occur when too much alcohol has been consumed. Judgment and decision making capacity. Drinking may lead young people to engage in risky behaviors that can result in illness, injury and even death.

10. Binge Drinking This typically happens when men consume 5 or more drinks, and when women consume 4 or more drinks, in about 2 hours.

11. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Another consequence of alcohol use is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Inside the mother, a fetus is fed through the placenta. Because alcohol passes easily through the placenta, every time the mother drinks alcohol, the developing fetus gets a dose of alcohol. Alcohol disrupts normal brain development - THAT IS A FACT!!! Fetal exposure to alcohol can impair the development of the corpus callosum (the main connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

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13. Alcohol's Effects A number of factors determine the effect alcohol has on individuals SPEED OF DRINKING - The more rapidly the beverage is ingested, the higher the peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The liver metabolizes about 1/2 ounce of alcohol per hour. PRESENCE OF FOOD IN THE STOMACH - Eating while drinking slows down the absorption rate. When alcoholic beverages are taken with a substantial meal, peak BAC may be reduced by as much as 50%. BODY WEIGHT - The larger person has more blood and requires greater amounts of alcohol to reach a given BAC.

14. Alcohol's Effects DRINKING HISTORY/TOLERANCE - Increasing amounts of alcohol are needed to result in the physical and behavioral reactions formerly produced at lesser concentrations, if there is a long history of drinking. ENVIRONMENT - There may be differences in alcohol's effects, depending upon where one drinks (e.g., local bar, with family, hostile environment, etc.). THE DRINKER'S EXPECTATIONS - Many people become intoxicated on less alcohol merely because they have that expectation before they begin drinking.

15. Alcohol's Effects GENERAL STATE OF EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH - Many people seem more susceptible to the effects of alcohol when they are extremely fatigued, have recently been ill, or are under emotional stress and strain. The usual amount of alcohol may result in uncomfortable effects. SEX DIFFERENCES - Given the same amount of alcohol and proportional body weight, females will generally have a higher BAC than their male counterparts, due to less body fluids to dilute the alcohol and to more body fat.