1. A drug that slows down brain and body reactions
Alcohol is…
A Depressant
A drug that slows down brain and body reactions
The most widely abused drug among high school students.

2. 12 oz. domestic beer 10 oz. microbrew beer 10 oz. wine cooler 4-5 oz
12 oz. domestic beer 10 oz. microbrew beer 10 oz. wine cooler 4-5 oz. wine 1.5 oz. large shot (80 proof)

3. Teens and Alcohol
Influenced by:
Peers
Family
Media

4. How Alcohol Affects the Body
Cardiovascular System
Slows heart rate
More blood flows to skin’s surface
Core body temp decreases
Excretory
Kidneys increase urine production
Nervous System
Brain activity slows
Reflexes become sluggish
Coordination becomes impaired
Digestive System
Too much alcohol in stomach may cause vomiting

5. Other Short Term Effects
Slurred speech
Drowsiness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Headaches
Breathing difficulties
Distorted vision and hearing
Impaired judgment
Anemia
Loss of red blood cells
Coma
Blackouts
Memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence

6. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC):
The amount of alcohol in a person’s blood, expressed as a percentage

7. Factors Affecting BAC
Rate of consumption: The faster you drink, the more affected you will be. Your liver can metabolize about one drink per hour.
Gender: When consuming the same amount of alcohol, a man’s BAC will be lower than a females
Body size: Smaller people (by weight and height) feel the effects of alcohol more than larger people. However, people with more muscle mass will be less intoxicated than people with more fat mass.
Amount of food: Drinking on an empty stomach increases the rate of alcohol absorption into the bloodstream
Type of drink: Mixing alcohol with certain drinks can increase the rate it enters the blood stream
Temperature of drink: Warm alcohol is absorbed into the body faster than cold alcohol
Emotional state: When people are stressed or upset alcohol is absorbed more quickly. Stress also causes the stomach to empty directly into the small intestine, where alcohol is absorbed even faster.
Age: The older a person is, the higher there BAC will be after drinking slower amount of alcohol. As we age, our liver functions decrease which means it takes us longer to eliminate the alcohol.

8. Blood Alcohol Concentration

9. When Blood Alcohol Concentration is…
Reflexes and alertness decline
Judgment and self-control are impaired
Reaction time slows
Muscle coordination decreases
Vomiting usually occurs
Emotions become exaggerated, unstable, or violent
0.20
Confusion, dizziness, ad disorientation occur
Vision and speech are impaired
Blackouts are typical
0.30
Ability to stand or walk is lost
Loss of consciousness may occur
0.40
Loss of consciousness usually occurs
Death may occur
0.50 or higher
Death usually occurs

10. What is the ONLY thing that can sober a person up?
TIME!!!!

11. Life Threatening Effects
Alcohol poisoning: taking an excessive amount of a drug that leads to coma or death
When drinking, many think they will pass out before this limit
Not true: alcohol continues to be absorbed into the blood for minutes after a person’s last drink
Drinkers BAC can still increase after they become unconscious

12. Life Threatening Effects Continued
Warning signs of Overdose (alcohol poisoning):
Cold Clammy Hands
Slow or irregular respiration
Vomiting while “sleeping”
Cannot be wakened
Person is unconscious
Binge drinker- the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol at one sitting

13. Long Term Risks of Alcohol
Brain Damage
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Liver Damage
Heart Disease
Digestive Problems
Alcoholism
Malnutrition
Cancer of the mouth and throat
Ulcers
Gastritis
Inflammation of stomach walls
Alcohol poisoning
High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart related diseases
Nerve damage
Sexual problems