11.2 Notes – Alcohol Use and Abuse alcohol – a drug created by a chemical reaction in some foods, especially fruits and grains –Beer, wine, hard liquor, mixed drink How old does a person have to been to drink legally? –21

11.2 Notes – Alcohol Use and Abuse Harmful effects of alcohol: –Brain: Immediate effects: impaired judgment, reasoning, memory and concentration, slowed reaction time, decreased coordination, slurred speech, distorted vision and hearing, alcohol poisoning, cause unconsciousness and even death Long-term effects: brain cell destruction, nervous system disorders, and memory loss –Heart: Immediate effects: increased heart rate Long-term effects: irregular heartbeat, heart muscle damage

11.2 Notes – Alcohol Use and Abuse Harmful effects of alcohol: –Liver: Immediate effects: unbalanced Long-term effects: cirrhosis – a scarring and destruction of the liver tissue, liver cancer, death –Kidneys: Immediate effects: increased urination, can cause dehydration, headache, and dizziness Long-term effects: kidney failure from high blood pressure

11.2 Notes – Alcohol Use and Abuse Harmful effects of alcohol: –Blood Vessels: Immediate effects: enlarged blood vessels Long-term effects: high blood pressure, stroke –Stomach: Immediate effects: vomiting, choke and die Long-term effects: ulcers (open sores), stomach cancer

11.2 Notes – Alcohol Use and Abuse Different Effects of Alcohol on different people: –Bigger people can drink more than little people –Usually men can drink more than women, because they are usually bigger –People with food in their stomach (eaten) can drink more than people with an empty stomach –Drinking slower will decrease the chances of getting drunk than someone who drinks fast –Mixing drugs (legal or not legal) is very dangerous, check with your doctor

11.2 Notes – Alcohol Use and Abuse DUI – “driving under the influence” alcohol Intoxicated – drunk alcoholism – an illness characterized by a physical and psychological need for alcohol withdrawals – symptoms that you need something that you are addicted to –Headaches –Stomach aches –Fatigue (tired) –Sweating, feel like your sick