ALCOHOL VOCABULARY & TERMS

Why people begin drinking? Peer pressure Curiosity Boredom Relax & have fun Escape from problem Be more social Addiction / Genetics – Family History

What is alcohol? Alcohol: A drug that is produced by a chemical reaction in fruits, vegetables & grains. 1. Classified as a depressant (slows down central nervous system – brain & spinal cord) 2. Over 17 million Americans have physical, social & psychological problems related to alcohol 3. Causes short-term & long-term effects in the body

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS ON BODY Impairs judgment, memory & concentration Reaction time is slowed & speech becomes slurred Reduces inhibitions – ability or desire to control behavior False sense of warmth – How is this dangerous? Liver poison Heart rate & pulse increase Vomiting – Why is this dangerous?

LONG-TERM EFECTS ON BODY Brain cell destruction Nervous disorders Memory loss High Blood pressure & stroke Cirrhosis –scarring & destruction of living tissue Liver cancer Irregular heartbeat & damage to heart muscle Ulcers in stomach & stomach cancer

Alcohol Terms Enabler: People close to the drinker unintentionally support the behaviors by denying a problem Denial: Alcoholics believe they do not have a problem with alcohol resulting in their failure to seek treatment Addiction: Physical or psychological need for a drug 2 Types: Physical Dependence Body’s need for a drug – may have withdrawal & could cause pain Psychological Dependence Mind sends message to body for need of a drug ALCOHOL CAUSES BOTH!!!!!!!!

Terms Cont……. Proof Twice the % of alcohol Example – 100% proof alcohol = 50% alcohol Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream measured by % What effects BAC? How much & how fast alcohol is consumed Body weight Gender – Females have more body fat Mood Other drugs In NJ the limit a person in considered legally drunk is 0.08% - the higher the BAC, the more the body is affected

Terms Cont.. Tolerance A condition that occurs when a person’s body becomes use to a drug Withdrawal Unpleasant & recognizable symptoms that occur when a drug is stopped taken Example Delirium Tremens – a symptom of alcohol withdrawal that includes confusion, agitation, delusions, sleep problems & hallucinations Usually requires medical attention – can cause death Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Birth defects seen in children of women who drink alcohol during pregnancy

Terms Cont…. Liver Chemical factory of the body Acts as a cleansing station to rid body of poisons 3 Functions: 1. Removes poisons 2. Promote blood clotting 3. Aids body in absorbing fats & cholesterol Excess alcohol destroys the livers ability to function properyl Oxidation Breaking down of alcohol by the liver into carbon dioxide & water This happens at a constant unchangeable rate of ½ ounce of alcohol per hour

What is alcohol abuse? Alcohol Abuse: Drinking more alcohol than is socially, psychologically or physically healthy. Symptoms: Finding it hard to stop drinking Feeling angry about drinking Neglecting personal appearance Becoming irritable, violent or subject to mood swings 2 Important facts: 1. Many accidental deaths are the cause of alcohol abuse 2. Usually cause financial & personal problems for the drinker

ALCOHOLISM A pattern of alcohol abuse characterized by emotional & physical dependence on alcohol Alcoholism is about 4 times more common in men than women! Develops in 3 stages Stage 1 Alcohol is used to relieve stress & relax Alcohol is used to cope with daily pressures of life Drinker begins to make excuses Stage 2 Body develops a need for more & more of alcohol Drinker often denies there is a problem Drinker is absent from school or work Stage 3 Problem is clear to other people Drinker is strongly addicted & they are now out of control TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR ALCOHOLICS