ALCOHOL: A DANGEROUS DRUG Alcohol is classified as a depressant. Depressant: A drug that slows body functions (BAC) Blood Alcohol Concentration (Content) a way to measure the level of alcohol in a person’s body Person’s BAC is influenced by: Gender Percent of body fat Body weight Amount of food in stomach Rate of drinking (your environment)

Over 15,000 lives have been saved per year since we have raised our drinking age. (21) Drivers under 21 are considered legally intoxicated @ a BAC of .01 “Zero Tolerance” Adult drivers are considered legally intoxicated @ a BAC of .08 Intoxicated: being affected by alcohol Each drink is about .02-.03 Takes about 1 ¼ hour to get out of system per drink

Proof is the amount of alcohol in a drink 100 proof equals 50% alcohol Beer has about 2-6 % alcohol Wines are usually 10-15 % alcohol Distilled spirits have 40-55% alcohol

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY Feeling of warmth, and well-being; slight impairment of judgment (1 drink in 1-hour) Inhibitions are lessened; judgment impaired, behavior can become impulsive or silly (2 drinks in 1-hour) Reflexes and coordination impaired; speech and hearing slightly affected (3 drinks in 1-hour)

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY Legally drunk in most states; vision, hearing, judgment, reflexes, coordination impaired (4 drinks in 1-hour) Intoxication; coordination seriously affected; vision blurred, speech and hearing severely impaired (6 drinks 1-hour) Intoxication extreme; no control over thoughts and perceptions; walking and even standing becomes difficult (8 drinks 1-hour)

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to a hangover. Hangover-Uncomfortable physical effects brought on by the use of alcohol. Symptoms of hangover: headache, nausea, upset stomach, and dizziness. Cure for a hangover is rest & re-hydration of the body (alcohol dehydrates the body).

Long Terms Effects: Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver; symptoms include yellowing of the skin, high fever, and weakness.

Long Terms Effects (continued): Cirrhosis: liver cells are replaced by useless scar tissue, no longer able to metabolize food properly.

ALCOHOL: A DANGEROUS DRUG Long Term Effects (continued): Interrupts REM sleeping. Lowers your white blood cell count. Kills brain cells. Damage to the heart muscle. Women can increase their chance for breast cancer. Increases your chances for cancer

ALCOHOL: A DANGEROUS DRUG Long Term Effects (continued): Delirium Tremens - (DT’s) when an alcoholic goes without alcohol for a period of time, the body runs out of the supply to which it is addicted. Fever Unquenchable Thirst Hallucinations

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Low birth weight is a sign of FAS. Small teeth, faulty enamel, irregular earlobes, wide set eyes and other facial deformities. Smaller hearts/heart defects. Physical and mental growth rate is slower during childhood. Most remain mentally retarded w/ a 40-80 IQ range. Exposing the fetus to drugs during the first 12 to 13 weeks is particularly hazardous

Binge Drinking Alcohol is a poison If a person drinks enough at one time, it can cause immediate death. Binge drinking is a serious problem among teenagers and young adults who take part in drinking games.

Binge Drinking Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwkL0tyeee4

Non-Drinker Drinker

4 stages of drinking Beginning phase involves experimental use or sneaking a drink at a social event. Usually done with friends Tolerance is low Easy to feel a buzz Defying parents

4 stages of drinking (2) Using more/Drinking more Start lying to parents & friends Feelings of guilt about the lies May forget or blackout Increased tolerance Preoccupied with drinking

(3) Using alcohol regularly 4 stages of drinking (3) Using alcohol regularly School work & attendance are affected Hiding bottles Start getting into legal hassles Family Relationship deteriorates Drinks in the morning Out of control once drinking starts

(4) This stage is addiction 4 stages of drinking (4) This stage is addiction Being high all the time is the norm Need alcohol to cope Blackouts are more frequent Self-Hate - little or no self-esteem Must get help or face the possibility of death

Goals of Aftercare Program Continued sobriety Participation in AA’s 12 step recovery program Adjustment to reentry into family life through counseling Development of self-awareness and social skills Learning recreational alternatives to alcohol Establishment of a network of support people who are also recovering.

ANTI-DRINKING ORGANIZATIONS S.A.D.D Students Against Destructive Decisions M.A.D.D Mothers Against Drunk Driving R.I.D Remove Intoxicated Drivers

Self-help programs for the Alcoholic & Family Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - This group is for the alcoholic. It is a 12 step program. The first step is to realize that he or she is powerless over alcohol. Al-Anon – Is designed to help family members to talk about problems of living with an alcoholic. Alateen – Is designed to help teenagers cope with the same situation.

Decision-making Model Should you let him drive you home? You’re at a party, and it’s getting late. Your friend Cliff, who drove you to the party, says he’s ready to drive you home. He tells you he hasn’t been drinking, but you’re sure he’s had at least two or three beers. You can not drive yet. What would you do?