What is Alcohol? Alcohol is produced by fermenting or distilling various fruits, vegetables, or grains. In beverages, pure ethyl alcohol (clear and colourless) is mixed with other ingredients that affect the colour and reduce the alcohol content.

Alcohol Content of Standard Drinks The effects of any alcoholic drink depends on the amount of pure ethyl alcohol consumed Standard drinks contain the same amount of alcohol regardless of the type of beverage Regular Beer (5%) – 340 mL Light Beer (4%) – 426 mL Wine (12%) – 142 mL Fortified Wine (18%) – 85 mL Spirits (40%) – 43 mL Coolers (5%) – 340 mL

The Short-Term Effects The effects of alcohol depend on how it is used – the amount consumed, the mood and expectations of the person, and the situation Alcohol has the effect of depressing or slowing down the central nervous system

Blood-Alcohol Content (BAC) BAC is the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream and is a measure of how much a person will be affected by the alcohol consumed Factors the affect BAC Amount consumed in a given period An individual’s size (smaller people reach a higher BAC from the same quantity of alcohol) Gender (Women generally reach a higher BAC from the same amount than men) Metabolism

BAC and Effects on the Body BACEffect 0.02% (0.02 grams per 100 mL of blood) Drowsiness Dizziness Reddening of the face 0.08% (legal limit) Impaired judgment Impaired ability to judge distances Impaired reaction time 0.10% impaired hand-eye coordination 7 times more likely to cause a crash 0.20% Stumbled walk Slurred words 0.40 – 0.60% FATAL because alcohol blocks the brains control over breathing. Called Alcohol Poisoning

Long-Term Effects Heavy, long-term drinking (more than two drinks a day for men, less for women) leads to a number of serious health problems including: Liver damage Heart disease Ulcers Certain types of cancer Blackouts (memory loss) Brain damage Sexual problems Women generally suffer these effects sooner than men

What is Cannabis and Marijuana? Cannabis is the plant. Marijuana comes from the dried tops, leaves, stems and seeds of the cannabis plant, which somewhat resembles oregano. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, and marijuana is its most popular form.

Five Myths about Marijuana 1. Marijuana is Harmless 1. Sure, it does not kill you directly, but regular use has been shown to be associated with long-term problems, including poor academic performance, memory loss and lung cancer. 2. Marijuana is Not Addictive 1. More teens each year enter treatment centers with marijuana as their main substance abused 2. Marijuana is addictive and people become dependent on it 3. Marijuana is not as Bad as Cigarettes 1. Pot actually contains many of the same cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco 2. Smoking marijuana may increase the risk of cancer more than smoking tobacco does

Five Myths about Marijuana Cont’d 4. Driving while High is safer than Driving Drunk 1. Marijuana affects alertness, concentration, perception coordination and reaction time – essential skills required for safe driving 5. I can smoke Pot and still get straight A’s 1. Researchers have found that heavy use may be especially problematic during teen’s peak learning years, when the brain is still developing, since it impairs your ability to concentrate and retain information 2. You may be doing well but you will never know if smoking pot is inhibiting your true academic potential

Reason why young people choose to use marijuana Have a good time Experiment Relax Relieve boredom Cope with problems Be one of the crowd Be different

Reasons why young people choose not to use marijuana Health risks Safety risks It’s illegal Waste of money Bad effects on school or their future career choices Escape problems instead of deal with them It may upset their friends and family

Activity – Independently Answer the questions below from Pg How long will the effects of marijuana last ? 2. What are some of the physical and psychological effects of marijuana? 3. What are some withdrawal symptoms of marijuana? 4. What are the immediate, short-term, and long-term effects of marijuana use? 5. Is having marijuana in your possession still a criminal offence?

Question 1 How long will the effects of marijuana last?

Question 2 Respiratory system Damage to the respiratory system Marijuana smoke contains more tar and higher amounts of cancer- producing chemicals The mind Problems with memory, concentration, and the brain’s ability to organize and process complex information Mental and emotional system Possible symptoms of schizophrenia worse than people who already have it Pregnancy During pregnancy can have a negative effect on the mental development of a child Dependence Will gradually need more to get the same effect What are some of the physical and psychological effects of marijuana?

Question 3 What are some withdrawal symptoms of marijuana?

Question 4 What are the immediate, short-term and long-term effects of marijuana use? Immediate: Red eyes, Dry mouth/throat, Short-term memory loss, Enhanced sensory perception, Paranoia, Increase HR, Anxiety, Concentration problems, and Trouble with problem solving Short-term: Short-term memory loss, Paranoia, Lack of coordination, Anxiety, Concentration problems and Trouble with problem solving Long-term: Cancer, Respiratory problems, Mental health problems and Dependence

Question 5 Is having marijuana in your possession still a criminal offence?

Homework Review all your notes for Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana. Finish any incomplete worksheets from this health unit.