Alcohol Information

What does depressant mean? “Reducing functional or nervous activity” Slows things down (heart rate, breathing, etc.) Less able to function (drive, read, speak, think, etc.

Can alcohol be good for you?

How much is “one drink”? One drink is defined as ◦5 ounces of wine ◦12 ounces of beer ◦1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled liquor such as vodka

What is considered “excessive drinking”? For women: ◦>1 drink/day or >3 drinks at one time For men: ◦>2 drinks/day or >4 drinks at one time

Is alcohol addicting? YES. Very.  You can also develop a tolerance for it.

Why do young people drink alcohol? Peer pressure Curiosity Access Not thinking clearly, making poor choices To “be cool” or fit in Escape problems Addicted

What influences how a person is affected by alcohol? 1. Type of drink (beer, wine, whiskey, etc.) 2. How quickly it is consumed 3. Amount of food in stomach 4. Body weight or build 5. Mental/emotional state 6. Surroundings 7. Physical tolerance