EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

Target: I will be able to identify the dangers associated with using alcohol and the describe short/long term effect of use Pg. 81 Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): The amount of alcohol in a person's blood. Given as a percentage- the higher the BAC, the greater the effects on the body Affected by- the speed at which the alcohol is consumed, body weight, % body fat, gender, age, amount of food eaten, and other drugs in the body

BACEffect on the Body Feel relaxed Increased social confidence - become talkative Feeling of warmth, relaxation, and confidence Areas of brain for reasoning and judgment are impaired. May say or do things they wouldn't normally do Decreased muscle coordination and reaction time Reasoning, judgment, self-control, muscle coordination, and reaction time are seriously impaired. No longer can make responsible decisions May claim not to be affected by the alcohol thought slurred speech and walking with a stagger are apparent. They are considered legally drunk Confused and disoriented Loss of coordination and balance Nausea and vomiting

BACEffect on the Body Unpredictable emotions which may change quickly May pass out Little or no control over mind and body Most cannot stay awake Likely to be unconscious Breathing and heartbeat slow down May enter a deep coma and die

Intoxication: Disturbance in behavior or mental function during or after alcohol consumption Short term effects of drinking: 1. Brain/Nervous System Reaches brain almost immediately Initial increase in heartbeat, breathing, and Bp, then depresses CNS Slowed brain activity Blackouts occur

Effects of Alcohol on the Brain

2. Liver The liver oxidizes alcohol into carbon dioxide which is released through the lungs, water which is released through perspiration and urine, and energy which is stored as fat Increased risk of liver disease

3. Blood Vessels Blood vessels dilate; the increased blood flow makes skin flush and feel warm Loss of body heat- core temperature drops

4. Heart Increased heart rate and blood pressure Damage to the heart muscle fibers (Scar tissue)- increased risk of heart attacks and stroke 5. Kidneys Produce more urine than normal, causing dehydration to occur

6. Digestive system/Stomach 20% is absorbed directly through the stomach lining, 80% through the small intestines Irritates stomach lining and increased gastric juices lead to ulcers and internal bleeding.

Long term Effects of Alcohol: Fatty Liver- Buildup of fat tissue on the liver- 1st stage of liver disease Alcoholic Hepatitis- Swelling of the liver due to excessive alcoholic use. Manifests as yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, and fever. - 2nd stage liver disease Cirrhosis: 3rd stage liver disease- chronic liver damage leading to liver failure and death. Liver and Alcohol

Cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach Seizures, Coma, Death

Pregnancy and Alcohol: Drinking alcohol any time during pregnancy is harmful to the developing baby. Miscarriage- natural ending of a pregnancy before full term development Stillbirth- Baby that is born deceased Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: occurrence of severe birth defects, including brain damage, behavior problems, and below normal IQ, in babies born to mothers who drank while pregnant. Summary:

ALCOHOL 101 Diagram at least 5 short term and long term effects of drinking alcohol. *Use a minimum of 4 colors* Pg. 80