Health Ch. 15

Sec. 1 Alcohol is a drug A drug is a chemical substance that is taken to cause changes in a person’s body or behavior. In slowing the body’s normal reactions, alcohol may cause confusion, decreased alertness, poor coordination, blurred vision, and drowsiness. Alcohol is a powerful depressant that slows the brain and body reactions.

If someone drinks large amounts of alcohol, it will affect vital functions such as heartbeat, and breathing. Drinking too much alcohol can result in death. Fermentation is the process that produces alcohol.

Not all alcoholic beverages contain the same amount of alcohol. It typically ranges from 4% to 50% Beer-4% alcohol Liquor – 40% Wine- 10% To calculate alcohol content: Multiply drink volume by percent alcohol

The attitudes of peers, family and the media strongly influence underage drinking Some teens drink to fit in or just to do what their classmates are doing.

Risks of underage drinking: Being injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident Committing or being victim of sexual assault or other violence Long-term brain damage Problems with alcohol later in life Suspension from school, sports teams, or other school activities.

Sec. 2 Alcohols effects on the body Many negative effects on a drinker’s body and behavior accompany intoxication by alcohol. Effects: Nervous system- brain activity slows down, coordination becomes impaired, reflexes become sluggish A person who drinks a lot of alcohol may suffer a blackout Digestive System- too much alcohol in the stomach may cause vomiting

Effects continued: Excretory System- kidneys increase urine production, drinker loses more water from body than usual Cardiovascular System- heart rate and blood pressure increase, more blood flows to the skin’s surface, core body temperature deceases.

Blood Alcohol concentration( BAC) – the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood, expressed as a percentage. .02-.03- reflexes slow , alertness declines .04-.06- judgment and self-control are impaired, reaction time is slowed .07-.09- muscle coordination decrease

BAC levels continued: .12-.15- vomiting usually occurs, emotions become exaggerated, unstable, or violent .20- confusion, dizziness, and disorientation occur, vision and speech are impaired, blackouts are typical .30- ability to stand or walk is lost, loss of consciousness may occur .40-loss of consciousness usually occurs, death may occur .50 or higher- death usually occurs

Things that affect BAC: Rate of alcohol consumption Gender Size of drinker How much food is in the stomach

Intoxication increases the risk of death from motor vehicle crashes, alcohol overdose, and interactions of alcohol with other drugs.

Sec. 3 Long-Term Risks of Alcohol Long-term alcohol abuse may harm the brain, liver, heart, and digestive system. Drinking any amount of alcohol during pregnancy may permanently harm the developing baby.

Alcoholism is a consequence of long-term alcohol use. It can change tolerance pf the brain Start dependence which can lead to dependence Any one who drinks is at risk form becoming an alcoholic Children of alcoholics are five times more likely to become alcoholics Underage drinking is also a risk

What begins as a problem drinking becomes absolute dependence and finally late-stage alcoholism Stages: Stage one- problem drinking, Stage 2 absolute dependence- the drinker becomes totally dependent on the drug Stage 3- late-stage alcoholism, entire lives revolve around drinking

There are three stages in an alcoholic’s recovery: Acknowledging problem Detoxification rehabilitation

Sec. 4 Choosing Not to Drink Sticking to your decision not to drink means being able to say no with confidence in situations where other people are drinking. Refusal skill- skill needed to say no

Prepare for pressure: (ask yourself the following) What are your reasons for not drinking alcohol at this time in my life How can I come across as confident in my decision In what situations will I most likely encounter pressure to drink Why are my friends pressuring me to drink Are there other friends who can help me stick to my decision

Stick to your decision. You never have to apologize for not drinking. Avoiding situations in which alcohol is present will help you stay alcohol free. It will also help you avoid related risks, like being injured by someone who has been drinking.