Health Chapters 20 & 21 Notes Tobacco & Alcohol

Tobacco Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in the US Approximately 90% of adult smokers began the habit as teenagers It’s easier to avoid tobacco use rather than quit later Tobacco is an addictive drug (substance that causes physiological or psychological dependence)

Tobacco Nicotine is the addictive drug found in tobacco leaves Nicotine is a stimulant (increases the action of CNS, heart, and other organs) Tobacco is a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) as it contains tar, CO2, and other poisonous compounds

Tobacco Tar is a thick/dark/sticky fluid produced when tobacco burns Paralyzes and destroys cilia, destroy alveoli, and reduce overall lung function CO2 is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas Deprives body tissues/cells of oxygen and increases the risk of high BP, heart disease, and hardening of the arteries

Tobacco Smokeless tobacco can be sniffed through the nose, held in the mouth, or chewed It is NOT a safe alternative to smoking Exposure to harmful chemicals is often three times longer with smokeless tobacco Leukoplakia - thickened/white/leathery spots on the inside of the mouth that can develop into oral cancer

Tobacco Short-term effects include… Long-term effects Brain chemistry changes, respiration and HR increase, dulling of taste buds (appetite reduction), and bad hygiene (bad breath, yellow teeth, and smelly) Long-term effects Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lunc cancer, heart disease and stroke, and a weakened immune system

Tobacco Other consequences of tobacco use… Costs to society (~$165 billion in US) Costs to individuals (~$1,500 annually for “pack-a-day” habit) Legal consequences

Alcohol Ethanol is the type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages (is both powerful & addictive) Fermentation is the process by which alcoholic beverages are created (chemical action of yeast on sugars) Alcohol is a depressant (drug that slows the central nervous system)

Alcohol Short-term effects of alcohol use Slows reaction time, impairs vision, and diminishes judgment Intoxication - state where body is poisoned by a drug and their physical/mental control is significantly reduced Alcohol stays in a person’s system until the liver can metabolize it or break it down Alcohol intoxication varies by person

Alcohol Some factors that influence onset and intensity of alcohol’s effects include… Body size Gender Food (have you eaten recently?) Rate of intake Amount consumed Any medicines you might be taking

Alcohol Long-term effects of alcohol use Damage to brain cells and reduced brain size Increases BP (leading to heart attacks/stroke) Buildup of fat cells in liver (~cell death) Damage to digestive lining of stomach (can lead to ulcers/cancer) Destruction of pancreas

Alcohol BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood and is expressed as a percentage BAC depends on the quantity and type of alcohol that was consumed, the rate of consumption, and body size/gender Any amount of alcohol in the system can cause slow reflexes, reduced ability to judge distances/speeds, increase in risk-taking behaviors, and reduced concentration and increased forgetfulness

Alcohol Binge drinking is consuming five or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting This can lead to alcohol poisoning (a severe and possibly fatal physical reaction to alcohol overdose) Alcohol acts as a depressant on body organs