Alcohol

What is alcohol? Alcohol or ethanol is a type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages Alcohol is created by a process called fermentation which is the chemical action of yeast on sugars Alcohol is classified as a depressant, a drug that slows the central nervous system

The bodies system Nervous System- The nervous system is a network of organs that coordinate the actions of the body and mind Cardiovascular System- A system of organs designed to deliver oxygenated blood to the bodies cells, and remove waste from them

The bodies systems Digestive System- The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract—a series of hollow organs traveling from mouth to the anus—and other organs that help the body break down and absorb food

Alcohols affect on the body Nervous system- brain becomes less able to physically control the body, memory processes are disorganized, judgment is altered Cardiovascular- low intake- rise in heart rate & blood pressure. High intake- heart rate and blood pressure decrease and heart rhythm becomes irregular. Also blood vessels dilate (get bigger) and body heat is lost

Alcohol affects on the body Digestive system- increase in stomach acid which may cause vomiting, toxic chemicals are released from the liver due to demand of alcohol processing, kidneys increase urine output which leads to dehydration

Alcohol Laws The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy, possess or take in alcohol If you are under the age of 21 and take a breathalyzer, anything over 0.0 can be prosecuted

ALCOHOL FACTS

Alcohol is the #1 Drug of Choice Alcohol related car crashes is the #1 killer of Teenagers. Alcohol kills 5x’s the number of people than any other drug 14 million Americans are alcoholics 2 million of them are teenagers Every 30 seconds someone is injured or killed by an alcohol related accident In the next 48 hrs, 10,000 teenagers will try alcohol.

70% of students at some college campuses binge drink (4 or 5 in a row) 1/3 of all schools reported binging by more than half of the students. MADD estimates half of American 20 million Jr. Sr. H.S. students drink monthly 2/3 say they do it to forget problems Almost the same say they do it because others do Approx. 3.3 million Americans ages are problem drinkers.

Nearly 14 million Americans- 1 in every 13 adults have a drinking problem According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol use is implicated in: 50% of all homicides 50% of all accidents 41% of all crimes 33% of all suicides A large proportion of drowning, boating and aviation deaths Alcohol also contributes to the risk of cancer, heart disease, brain damage and cirrhosis of the liver.

Did You Know? By The time teens reach 9 th grade, most will have seen more ads for beer or wine than for any other product A recent study found 93% of the 200 most popular movie rentals depicted alcohol use. A review of top-selling rap recordings found alcohol mentioned in 47% of the songs

Alcohol use is a serious matter. It is a key factor in: 33% of suicides 50% of homicides 62% of assaults 68% of manslaughter cases 50% of head injuries 41% of traffic fatalities

Also…… Alcohol also plays a major role in domestic abuse and injury, child abuse and neglect, and workplace injuries More than half of all people who drown have consumed alcohol before entering the water

Factors affecting the effects of alcohol 1.Body Size and Gender- A small person feels the effect of the same amount of alcohol faster than a large person does. In general, alcohol moves into the bloodstream faster in females. (Females have a higher % of body fat and less water in their body than males. As a result, alcohol in females is less diluted and has a stronger and more lasting result) (Females have a higher % of body fat and less water in their body than males. As a result, alcohol in females is less diluted and has a stronger and more lasting result) The enzyme that controls alcohol processing is 70% more effective in males than in females The enzyme that controls alcohol processing is 70% more effective in males than in females

Factors affecting the effects of alcohol 2. Food- Food in the stomach slows down the passage of alcohol into the bloodstream 3. Amount and Rate of Intake- As the amount of alcohol consumed increases, the level of alcohol in the bloodstream also rises. When a person drinks faster than the liver can break it down, intoxication results. When blood alcohol becomes too high, alcohol poisoning can occur.

Intoxication The state in which the body is poisoned by alcohol or another substance and the person’s physical and mental control is significantly reduced.

Alcohol per drink is: 12 Ounces of Beer 1 Wine Cooler 1 Ounce of Liquor

What Alcohol does to our Body Irritates the Stomach Lining Depresses the Central Nervous System Alters the Person’s Behavior and the Body’s ability to function Brain functions slow, decreasing balance, eyesight, and reasoning ability

BAC- Blood Alcohol Content Drinker loses judgment, dexterity, and coordination. Slurs words and staggers. Still insists he/she is not drunk! First time drinkers usually pass out! The drinker may explode in a violent rage and not even remember it The drinker sinks into a coma Mixing alcohol and other drugs (i.e. depressants) multiplies the effects!

Processing the Alcohol Small % immediately goes in the stomach 5% is released unchanged through sweat and respiration Rest goes through Liver- Takes about 1 Hour per drink Hour per drink While this occurs, liver can’t function effectively in its’ normal job of converting stored fats and other nutrients into glucose, the sugar used by the body for energy Over time, heavy drinkers can develop fatty deposits in the liver or suffer cirrhosis, A fatal disease

Factors That Influence Alcohol Use Peer Pressure – Teens who choose friends who avoid alcohol use are more likely to be alcohol free. Family – Parents who discourage and avoid the use of alcohol are more likely to have teens who do the same. In fact, teens cite parental disapproval as the number one reason for not using alcohol. Media Message – The message of many ads is “To fit in, drink alcohol.”