Why is Alcohol Dangerous? On a sheet of paper list reasons why it is dangerous to consume alcohol.

Alcohol is involved in: 33% of suicides 50% of homicides 62% of assaults 68% of manslaughter cases 41% of traffic fatalities 50% of all drowning Domestic abuse, child abuse, neglect and work place injuries

Alcohol Ethanol – the type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages Produced through fermentation of fruits, vegetables and grains Fermentation – the chemical action of yeast on sugars Water, flavoring and minerals are mixed with ethanol to produce beverages such as wine and beer

Immediate Effects Depressant – a drug that slows the central nervous system Effects motor skills Slows reaction time Impairs vision Diminish clear thinking and judgment

What happens to the body? Alcohol travels through the bloodstream to the brain Liver metabolizes the alcohol in the bloodstream and makes it less active Metabolism – the process by which the body breaks down substances Kidneys filter the neutralized particles and other waste products from the blood and produce urine

Intoxication Intoxication – the state in which the body is poisoned by alcohol or another substance and the person’s physical and mental control is significantly reduced Affected by Body size Gender Stomach contents

BAC BAC – Blood Alcohol Concentration – the amount alcohol in a person’s blood expressed as a percentage

Short Term Effects Nervous System Cardiovascular System Digestive System Respiratory System Brain – becomes less able to control the body Memory – thought processes disorganized, memory and concentration dulled Judgment – altered and coordination impaired Heart – at low intake increases heart rate and blood pressure; at high intake decreases Blood Vessels – expand and body temperature lowers Stomach – increase stomach acid causing nausea and vomiting Liver – toxic chemicals are released Kidneys – increase urine output Lungs – fill with carbon dioxide Breathing – depress nerves that cause involuntary reactions such as breathing, breathing slows

Alcohol Abuse Alcohol Abuse – the excessive use of alcohol 25% of all youth is exposed to alcohol abuse Binge Drinking – drinking 5 or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting Can be fatal Can cause alcohol poisoning

Other Dangers of Alcohol Abuse Drug Interactions DWI Alcohol Poisoning Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Long term damage to major body systems and organs Alcoholism

Alcohol and Drug Interactions Alcohol and drugs do not mix A factor in ¼ of all emergency room admissions Multiplier Effect – medication has a greater or different effect than intended Typical Interactions: Slows absorption increasing the time the drug is in the body Medication may be broken down faster, decreasing its effectiveness Increase effects of some drugs

Driving Under The Influence DWI – Driving while intoxicated DUI – Driving under the influence .02 – Driver shows signs of intoxication .08 – Maximum BAC for a driver Consequences of a DWI Harm to driver and others Restricted driving privileges Loss of license Arrest or jail time Higher insurance rates Fines

Alcohol Poisoning Alcohol Poisoning – a severe and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcohol overdose Effects of Alcohol Poisoning Mental confusion, stupor, coma, passing out Slow respiration – 10 seconds between breaths Irregular heartbeat Hypothermia and low body temperature Severe dehydration and vomiting Call 911 if someone has alcohol poisoning

FAS Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – a group of alcohol related birth defects that include physical and mental problems Effects of FAS Deformities of head, hands and feet Heart, liver and kidney defects Learning difficulties; leading cause of intellectual disabilities No safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant

Long Term Effects Nervous System Cardiovascular System Digestive System Brain – addiction, loss of brain functions, brain damage Heart – damage to heart muscles, enlarged heart, high blood pressure Liver – fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis Stomach – ulcers and cancer Pancreas - blockage

Alcoholism Alcoholism – a disease in which a person has a physical or psychological dependence on drinks that contain alcohol Alcoholic – an addict who is dependent on alcohol Influenced by genetic and environmental factors Symptoms: Craving – strong need to drink Loss of control – cannot limit Physical dependence – withdrawal symptoms Tolerance – need more to feel the same effects

Stages of Alcoholism Abuse – a person drinks and becomes intoxicated regularly Dependence – Physical need for alcohol; alcohol is the central focus Addiction – alcohol is the most important thing in person’s life

Treatment Admission – person admits to having a problem and asks for help Detoxification – a process in which the body adjusts to functioning without alcohol Counseling – gets help to learn to live without alcohol Recovery – the process of learning to live an alcohol free life Sobriety – living without alcohol

Alcohol Take Home Quiz Due Tomorrow

Alcohol Skit Create a peer pressure scenario involving alcohol Write and perform a skit that demonstrates how someone could handle this peer pressure situation responsibly Everyone must participate Skit must have 3 vocabulary words in it 2 Minutes long