The Drug Unit

The Dangers of Alcohol Use Lesson 1

What is Alcohol? Drug is a substance that changes the structure or function of the body or mind Alcohol is a substance produced by a chemical reaction in carbohydrates. Alcohol is created when grains, fruits, or vegetables are fermented. Fermentation is a process that uses yeast or bacteria to change the sugars in the food into alcohol.

Alcohol Continued….. Alcohol is a depressant. Depressant slows the function of the central nervous system. Alcohol actually blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters a person's perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing.

All 3 choices have the same effect on the mind and body!!

Alcohol's Effects on the Body * The liver is an organ that takes the most abuse from alcohol consumption and is probably the most commonly thought of when discussing the harming effects of alcohol on your body. * Cirrhosis- This is destruction and scarring of the liver tissue. Cirrhosis can lead to death.

Alcohol's Effects on the Brain Slows the body’s functions and reaction time. Reaction time- is how long it takes a person to respond to a situation. Makes it hard for people to think and speak clearly A person under the influence of alcohol is more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors.

Factors that Influence Alcohol’s Effects Blood Alcohol Content- This is a measure of the amount of alcohol present in a person’s blood. The persons body weight- The less a person weights, the greater the effect the alcohol will have. The persons rate of consumption- Drinking quickly can overload the liver. The amount the person consumes. The size of drink and the alcohol content will influence its effects. The amount the person has eaten- Food slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Other Drugs- When you combine alcohol with other drugs, they react with each other.

Alcoholism and Addiction Lesson 2

Alcoholism and Addiction Lesson 2 With your group come up with a list of reasons why you should avoid Alcohol! Why You Should Avoid Alcohol You may do or say things you will regret later. May take part in high-risk behaviors. Damage a person’s health Negative affect on relationships Negative affect on performance in school Negative affect on Future

Addiction and Alcoholism What is addiction? Addiction: Is a physical or mental need for a drug. The cycle of addiction is represented by a downward spiral. Occasional Drink Habit Tolerance- a need for increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect. Addiction Casual Drinking Addiction Habit Tolerance

A person who is addicted to alcohol suffers from ALCOHOLISM! Alcoholism- This is a disease in which a a person has a physical and mental need for alcohol. A person with this disease is called an alcoholic.

Help for alcoholics and Their Families Alcoholism CANNOT be cured, but I can be treated!!! Treatment includes Cleansing all alcohol from the body. (Detox) Help dealing with physical and emotional desire to have a drink Alcoholism is a problem that affects more that just the alcoholic.

Places to go for HELP! Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)-Helps people with alcoholism AL- Anon- Help for family members living with an alcoholic. Alateen- A group within AL-Anon, Helps teenage children of alcoholic parents.

They warn women not to drink alcohol while pregnant! Pregnancy and Alcohol They warn women not to drink alcohol while pregnant! Alcohol consumed during pregnancy passes from the mother into the developing baby’s bloodstream. This places a baby at risk of developing FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME(FAS) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: This is a group of permanent physical and mental problems caused by alcohol use during pregnancy. Babies weigh less Birth Defects Mental retardation Learning disabilities