Harmful Effects of Alcohol Use Chapter 22 Lesson 2

Short-Term Effects of Drinking Body Size and gender Small person feels effect faster Alcohol moves into the bloodstream faster in females Food Food slows down the passage of alcohol into the bloodstream

Short-Term Effects of Drinking Amount and rate of intake More alcohol consumed = more alcohol in the bloodstream When person drinks alcohol faster than the liver can break it down, intoxication results. If blood alcohol levels become too high, alcohol poisoning can occur.

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Nervous System Brain Less able to control the body Movement, vision, & speech affected Memory Thought process are disorganized & memory & concentration dulled Judgment Altered & coordination impaired

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Cardiovascular System Heart Low intake  increase in heart rate & blood pressure Higher intake  decrease in heart rate & blood pressure, heart rhythm becomes irregular & risk of cardiac arrest increases Blood Vessels Causes blood vessels to expand and allows body heat to escape (body temperature drops)

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Digestive System Stomach Some alcohol passes quickly from stomach into the bloodstream Stomach acid production increases & results in nausea & vomiting Liver Toxic chemicals are released as liver metabolizes alcohol and causes inflammation and scarring Kidneys Increases urine output, which can lead to dehydration

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Respiratory System Lungs Carbon dioxide formed by the liver is released from the body Breathing Alcohol depresses nerves that control breathing Excessive alcohol consumption causes breathing to slow, become irregular, or stop

Alcohol and Drug Interactions Interactions between medications and alcohol can lead to Illness Injury Death Can result in a multiplier effect -medication will have a greater or different effect than if it were taken alone.

Alcohol and Drug Interactions Most over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs warn users against drinking alcohol while on that drug. Can lead to accidents, crime, and suicide. Make sure you read all medication information or don’t drink alcohol while on a medication.

Typical Alcohol-Drug Interactions Alcohol may slow a drug’s absorption Increases the length of time the alcohol or drug is in the body & increases the risk of harmful side effects of the drug Frequent drinking can increase metabolizing enzymes in the body Can cause medications to be broken down faster than normal, decreasing effectiveness

Typical Alcohol-Drug Interactions Metabolizing enzymes can change medications into chemicals that can damage the liver or other organs. Example – alcohol with acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage even in small amounts Alcohol can increase the effects of some drugs Example – alcohol with antihistamines can cause excessive dizziness & sleepiness (what if you’re driving?)

Driving Under the Influence Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), also known as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), is the leading cause of death among teens. Intoxicated when the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeds the state’s legal limit. BAC – amount of alcohol in a person’s blood, expressed as a percentage. Illinois = .08

Driving Under the Influence Signs of intoxication can begin to appear at BACs as low as .02 No acceptable BAC if under the age of 21 Drinking Slows reflexes Reduces a person’s ability to judge distance & speed Increases risk-taking behaviors Reduces a person’s concentration while increasing forgetfulness

Alcohol and BAC 40% 10% 4% Alcohol by volume

Consequences of DWI If police suspect, driver is given a field sobriety test and then a breathalyzer to measure BAC Consequences of an intoxicated teen Harm to the driver & others Severely restricted driving privileges &/or immediate confiscation of a driver’s license Alcohol related injuries, property damage, & death. Living with regret & remorse from these consequences Loss of parental trust & respect Arrest, jail time, court appearance, & heavy fine or bail A police record & possible lawsuits Higher insurance rates

Consequences of DWI Never ride in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking. Find a ride with someone who has not been drinking Call home to have someone come to get you Try to prevent the person from driving Take the keys, find a ride home for them

Binge Drinking Drinking five or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting Can lead to alcohol poisoning

Alcohol Poisoning A severe and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcohol overdose. Alcohol is a depressant that shuts down involuntary responses such as breathing & the gag reflex that prevents choking. Common to vomit because alcohol is a stomach irritant Person can choke and be asphyxiated by his her own vomit

Effects of Alcohol Poisoning Passing out is a common side effect of drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol doesn’t stop entering the bloodstream. Alcohol in the stomach & small intestines enters the bloodstream, causing the BAC to continue to rise. Don’t assume that a person will be fine if they “sleep it off.”

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning Mental confusion, stupor, coma, inability to be roused, vomiting, seizures Slow respiration – 10 seconds between breaths or fewer than 8 breaths a minute Irregular heartbeat Hypothermia – pale or bluish skin Severe dehydration from vomiting A person who experiences any of these signs or has passed out may die if left untreated If suspect alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately.