Alcohol Myths and Realities 2011 p.36

What is alcohol Alcohol is a drug contained in beverages (drinks) like beer, wine, wine coolers, or liquor Alcohol is absorbed through the walls of the stomach and intestines, directly into the bloodstream, then to the brain Alcohol is a depressant and slows down brain activity

What percentage of Americans drink alcohol? Guess?

Patterns of drinking Abstinence-Don’t drink at all Ritual drinkers- Sacrament Social Drinking- During parties Compulsive or problem drinkers

Problem behaviors associated with alcohol use….. D.U.I. Fights Alcoholism Liver damage

What does a small amount of alcohol do? Slows down the ability to think clearly and make decisions Causes people to feel more daring than usual and take risks

What does a large amount of alcohol do Slows down the brain and nervous system Causes dizziness Decreases coordination Decreases reaction time

A large amount of alcohol makes it hard to: Walk Speak Stay awake

A large amount of alcohol can also Cause you to pass out

Other Effects Fighting Arguing Violence Loud Talking Silliness Obnoxious Behavior

Reasons not to drink Don’t like the taste Don’t like being drunk Don’t want to get fat Goes against family values

Other reasons not to drink Goes against religious values It’s illegal Need to stay in shape for sports Don’t want to look stupid or foolish Drinking isn’t cool Want to stay in control Want to think clearly

Myths vs. Reality Myth: The best way to get “high” is to drink or take drugs Reality: Alcohol and drugs produce a temporary “high”, followed by a Down peroid

Better ways to get high Exercise Sports Dance Music Art Achievement Prayer Friendship

Myths vs. Realities part II Myth: it takes a real tough guy to hold a lot of alcohol Reality: Tollerance increases over time as with all Drugs