Brandon Littlefield

Alcohol Entering the Body 20% of alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and the rest is absorbed in the small intestine Alcohol enters the bloodstream and dissolves in the water of the organ tissues and begins to take effect on the body Alcohol is then carried to the liver, and then to the brain by the bloodstream

Alcohol Exiting the Body Once absorbed in the bloodstream, it exits in 3 ways: –Kidneys –Lungs –Liver The liver requires water to burn off alcohol. If none is made available, the body redistributes whatever water is available

Affects on the Body Irritates the linings of the stomach and intestine –Vomiting Increases blood flow to the stomach and intestines –Stomach acid secretion Increases blood flow to the skin –Causes sweating Reduces blood flow to muscles –Muscle aches

Stages of Alcohol and BAC Euphoria: –.03% to.12% Excitement: –.09% to.25% Confusion: –.18% to.30% Stupor –0.25 to 0.4% Coma: –.35% to 0.50% Death: –more than.50%

Effects on the Brain Cerebral Cortex –Depresses the behavioral inhibitory centers –Slows down processing information –Inhibits thought process Limbic System –Exaggerates states of emotion –Memory loss Cerebellum –Muscle movements become uncoordinated, loss of balance Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland –Sexual behavior increases, but performance declines –Kidneys produce more urine Medulla –Tired, may become unconscious –Slow breathing –Conditions can be fatal

Social Effects Young frequent drinkers may never be able to catch up in adulthood They can have problems attaining the goals of young adulthood— marriage, educational attainment, employment, and financial independence Young abusers are significantly more likely to have drinking problems as adults

Physical Effects Reproductive system: –Reduced testosterone levels in males, menstrual irregularities and infertility in women Immune System –Increases susceptibility to infectious diseases and cancer Gastrointestinal System –Malnutrition –Ulcers of the stomach and intestine –Cancers of the lip, oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, stomach, and liver Circulatory System –Decreased blood pressure, pulse and respiration –Heart diseases –anemia