The Health Risks of Alcohol Use

Alcohol is an addictive drug Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows the central nervous system

Intoxication is the state in which the body is poisoned by alcohol or another substance, and the person’s physical and mental control is significantly reduced.

Factors that Influence Alcohol’s Effect Body Size Gender Food Rate of intake Amount Medicine decrease/increase effectiveness change absorption rates change chemicals

Short-term Effects of Alcohol 1. Changes in the brain Though processes disorganized Memory/Concentration dulled Judgment altered Coordination impaired Increase risk of stroke in young people

Short-term Effects of Alcohol 2. Cardiovascular changes Large amounts of alcohol decrease heart rate and blood pressure

Short-term Effects of Alcohol 3. Toxic chemicals are released as the liver metabolizes alcohol 4. Alcohol increases stomach acid production and can cause nausea and vomiting

Long-term Effects of Alcohol 1. Addiction, loss of brain function, brain damage 2. Heart damage and high blood pressure 3. Cirrhosis of the liver 4. Swelling of the pancreas lining

Binge drinking Binge drinking is defined as drinking 5 or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning – a severe and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcoholic overdose.

Binge drinking Symptoms of alcohol poisoning 1. Mental confusion 2. Coma 3. Vomiting and/or seizures 4. Slow respiration 5. Irregular heartbeat