Judith E. Brown Prof. Albia Dugger Miami-Dade College Alcohol: The Positives and Negatives Unit 14

Alcohol Facts Alcohol is a food Contains carbohydrates (energy) Alcohol is a drug Alcohol (ethanol) modifies body functions Harmful in high doses

Fermentation Alcohol is produced from carbohydrates in grains and other foods by fermentation Fermentation The process by which carbohydrates are converted to ethanol by the action of enzymes produced by yeast

The Positive Moderate alcohol consumption Men: 2 drinks/day, women:1 drink /day Reduces risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, dementia Increases HDL cholesterol Improves glucose utilization Decreases chronic inflammation Improves cognitive function

One Drink

Key Terms Chronic inflammation Low-grade inflammation that lasts weeks to years Inflammation The immune system’s first response to infection or irritation; triggers release of biologically-active substances that promote oxidation and other harmful reactions

Positive Effects of Phytochemicals Phytochemicals Act as antioxidants Reduce plaque in arteries Decrease inflammation Decreased inflammation: Helps prevent plaque formation in arteries Improves circulatory function Improves maintenance of normal cell health

The Negative Heavy drinking 5 or more drinks/day Increases risks of high blood pressure, stroke, dementia, some cancers, central nervous system disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiencies

The Negative Alcohol abuse is associated with: A high proportion of deaths from homicide, drowning, fires, traffic accidents, and suicide Rapes and assaults Alcohol poisoning Steatohepatitis Cirrhosis

Key Terms Alcoholism Illness characterized by dependence on alcohol and a level of alcohol intake that interferes with health, family, social relationships, and job performance

Key Terms Alcohol poisoning Life-threatening condition due to excess alcohol consumption; a medical emergency Characterized by mental confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, and low body temperature

Key Terms Steatohepatitis Disease characterized by fat accumulation in the liver and liver inflammation Associated with alcoholism, obesity, and diabetes May progress to cirrhosis

Key Terms Cirrhosis Disease of the liver characterized by widespread fibrous tissue buildup and disruption of normal liver structure and function Can be caused by a number of chronic conditions that affect the liver

Violence and Alcohol

Steatohepatitis Normal liver and fatty liver

Drinking During Pregnancy Fetal alcohol syndrome causes long-term mental and growth retardation There is no safe level of alcohol intake during pregnancy

Alcohol, Diet, and Nutrients “Empty calories” Alcohol contains 7 calories/gram, but few nutrients Heavy drinkers may be vitamin deficient

How the Body Handles Alcohol Alcohol is: Absorbed through stomach and small intestine Circulated to body tissues Broken down and used for energy or fat storage Blood alcohol builds up Mild intoxication, about 0.03% Legal limit, typically 0.08% 0.6% or more can cause death

Blood Alcohol Levels

Increased Effects of Alcohol Blood alcohol levels increase faster in women than in men Over 150 medications interact harmfully with alcohol (sleeping pills, pain killers) Combining alcohol and pain relievers may cause stomach ulcers or liver damage

Drinking Responsibly Do NOT drink: If you are or could become pregnant On an empty stomach Quickly Until you lose control Before or during driving, hunting, or operating heavy equipment

What Causes Alcoholism? Alcoholism: Tends to run in families Has a genetic component Is influenced by environmental factors Risk increases: When drinking begins at a young age Around peers who drink With stress

Alcohol and Adolescents Underage drinking accounts for 20% of all alcohol consumed in the US Average age when drinking begins: 14 years Four times more likely to become alcohol dependent than 21-year-olds

Help for Alcohol Dependence Alcoholism is managed, not cured Behavioral therapy is successful in about 1/3 of people with alcoholism Medications treat people with genetic predispositions toward alcoholism

Drink Responsibly