The Health Risks of Alcohol Alcohol Use and the harmful effects

The Addictive Side of Alcohol The addictive type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages is called ethanol. Ethanol can be produced synthetically or naturally through fermentation (grains, fruits, vegetables); fermentation is the chemical action of yeast on sugars. Alcohol is classified as a depressant, which will slow down the process of the CNS.

Factors that influence alcohol’s effects Intoxication- the state in which the body is poisoned by alcohol or another substance Body size Gender Food Rate of intake Amount Medicine

Short Term Effects Effects on the brain: Effects on the heart: Development Memory Judgment and control Risk of stroke Effects on the heart: Increase heart rate and blood pressure Heart rhythm becomes irregular Decreased body temperature

Short Term Effects Effects on Liver and Kidney: Effects on Stomach: Chemicals that are metabolized can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver. Increase urine output and increase the chance of dehydration. Effects on Stomach: Nausea and vomiting Disrupt the absorption of nutrients (pancreas)

Long Term Effects Damage to brain cells Increase in blood pressure (heart attack, stroke) Buildup of fat cells in the liver Damage to digestive lining of the stomach (ulcers and cancer) Destruction of the pancreas Cirrhosis of the liver

Binge Drinking and Alcohol Poisoning Binge drinking is defined as having 5 or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting. Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning; which is defined as a severe and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcohol overdose. What are some effects of alcohol poisoning? List examples

Dependence on alcohol Psychological dependence is when a person believes that a drug is needed in order to feel good or to function normally. Physiological dependence is a condition in which the user has a chemical need for the drug.

Alcohol and the Family Alcoholism is a disease in which a person and a physical or physiological dependence on alcohol. Alcoholism can lead to alcohol abuse which is an excessive use of alcohol. It is estimated that 25% of youth are exposed to alcohol abuse in their household. A person who begins drinking alcohol as a teen is 4x’s more likely to develop dependence then someone that waits until adulthood.

Benefits of living Alcohol-free Maintaining a healthy body Establishing healthy relationships Making healthy decisions Avoiding risky behavior Avoiding illegal activities Avoiding violence Achieving your goals

The Impact of Alcohol Abuse 1/5 of all teen drivers involved in fatal car accidents have a BAC of 0.01%. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)- is the amount of alcohol in the blood; expressed as a percent.

Drinking and Driving Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and Driving under the influence (DUI) are illegal. Adult drivers 21 and over with a BAC of 0.08 are considered to be drunk driving. Consequences can include: injuries or death, arrest, jail time, police record, restricted driving privileges, loss of license, and higher insurance rates.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a group of alcohol-related birth defects that include physical and mental problems. Problems can include: Small head, deformities to face, hands, and feet. Heart, liver, and kidney defects Vision and hearing problems CNS problems and developmental delays Short attention span Hyperactivity, anxiety, and social withdrawal

Alcoholism Stages of Addiction 1. Abuse 2. Dependence 3. Addiction Steps to Recovery 1. Admission 2. Detoxification 3. Counseling 4. Recovery