JOURNAL Write down 5 things that you know about Alcohol. What are 3 differences between alcohol and other drinks.

WHAT ALCOHOL DOES TO THE BODY

Alcohol A drug produced by a chemical reaction in fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Grapes fermenting during the production of wine. Do not copy Fermentation is a process that uses yeast or bacteria to change the sugars in the food into alcohol. Grapes fermenting during the production of wine.

Alcohol is classified as a DEPRESSANT. A depressant drug slows down functions of the brain. Alcohol can damage almost every organ in the body.

In the US, the law prohibits alcohol use by anyone under the age of………….. 21 A person must be 21 in order to possess, purchase, or consume alcohol.

The effect alcohol has on a person is influenced by the following factors: Body Size: -Alcohol has a greater effect on a smaller person. Gender: - Alcohol moves into a females bloodstream faster. Time Frame: -A person who drinks a lot in a short time will get intoxicated faster.

Amount: - Drinking a large quantity of alcohol causes alcohol levels in the blood to rise. If the levels get too high, alcohol poisoning can occur. Food: -Food slows down the passage of alcohol into the bloodstream. Medicine: -Alcohol can interfere with the effects of medicines. Medicine can intensify the effects of alcohol.

Effects of Alcohol on the Body: Mouth & Esophagus : Short Term –Tongue, gums, and throat are affected. Breath smells of alcohol. Long Term – Damage occurs to tissues of the esophagus resulting in possible bleeding. Effects of Alcohol on the Body:

Heart & Blood Vessels: Short Term - Perspiration increases and skin becomes flushed. Long Term - High blood pressure and damage to heart muscle is common. Blood vessels harden and become less flexible.

Brain & Nervous System: Short Term – Speech is slurred and vision is blurred. Drinker has trouble walking. - Long Term – Brain cells are destroyed, damage occurs to nerves throughout the body resulting in numbness in hands and feet.

Liver: Short Term – Liver changes alcohol into water and carbon dioxide. Long Term – Liver is damaged resulting in cirrhosis – scarring and destruction of the liver.

Stomach and Pancreas: Short term – Stomach acids increase resulting in nausea or vomiting. Long term – irritation occurs in the stomach lining, causing open sores called ulcers. Pancreas becomes inflamed.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): The amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. Legal Levels Under 21- must be 0.00 21 & older- must be under .08 if operating a vehicle

Intoxicated- - Physically and mentally impaired by the use of alcohol.

Binge Drinking: The consumption of several alcoholic drinks in a very short period of time. This is very dangerous because the BAC of a binge drinker will rise sharply and the person can stop breathing and die.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): - A group of alcohol related birth defects that include both physical and mental problems.