1. ALCOHOLISM
Alcoholism – disease which a person has a physical/ psychological dependence on drinks that contain alcohol
Binge drinking - Drinking 5 or more alcoholic drinks in 1 sitting
Alcohol is the MOST abused drug by high schoolers

2. ALCOHOL CONTENT Labels indicate the % of alcohol they contain
Proof is a measure of the % of alcohol in the beverage
Proof is 2x the % of alcohol (100 proof vodka is 50% alcohol)

3. SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
Depressant - Slows activity of the body’s central nervous system
Slows breathing/ HR
Decreased alertness
Decreased coordination
Blurred vision, slurred speech
Liver and kidney problems – toxicity and dehydration
Nausea, vomiting

4. DWI Driving While Intoxicated
is the leading cause of death among teens
In the U.S., HALF of all fatal automobile crashes are alcohol related (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Accounts for nearly 30% of ALL fatal car crashes in New York

5. ZERO TOLERANCE LAWS
It is against the law for a person under 21 to drink alcohol and operate a motor vehicle
Any person under age 21 who is caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .02, or 1 DRINK– will be charged
Over 21 – legal limit is .08

6. Blood Alcohol Content
The amount of ethanol in a person’s blood expressed as a percentage

7. Factors Impacting the Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Gender, age, weight, height
Amount of food in stomach
Concentration of alcoholic beverages consumed
Amount of alcohol consumed
Rate of consumption and absorption

8. Alcohol’s Effect on the Brain
Activity slows  loss of sensation and decrease in sharpness of vision, hearing and other senses
Loss of muscle coordination – causes loss of inhibition
Blackouts

9. Alcohol’s Effect on the Liver
The liver breaks down ethanol at the rate of 1 can of beer, 1 glass of wine or 1 shot of liquor per hour
NOTHING can speed up the liver’s ability to breakdown alcohol

10. LIVER DAMAGE Fatty Liver-
alcohol interferes with the liver’s ability to break down fats. Heavy drinking can cause the liver to fill with fat, which blocks blood flow, so the liver dies

11. LIVER DAMAGE
Alcoholic hepatitis – inflammation of the liver caused by the toxic effects of alcohol. Causes weakness, fever, yellowing of the skin, enlargement of the liver

12. LIVER DAMAGE CIRRHOSIS
Useless scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue, resulting in liver failure. This leads to high blood pressure, increased risk of infection, swelling of the abdomen and yellowing of the skin

14. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Birth defects caused by the effects of alcohol on the unborn child
Heart defects
Poor motor development
Low birth weight
Delayed growth
Leading preventable cause of mental retardation in the U.S.

15. Long-term Health Risks
ToleranceDependenceWithdrawal
Brain Damage – nerve cells are destroyed causing forgetfulness, inability to concentrate and poor judgment
Digestive problems – alcohol irritates the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach
Can contribute to cancer

16. Stages of Alcoholism 1st Stage – Abuse
Begins with social drinking but advances to memory loss, and blackouts. The person begins to lie/ make excuses to justify drinking.
2nd Stage - Dependence
Person becomes physically dependent and can’t stop drinking. He/she may try to hide the problem, but job, school, at home suffers.

17. Stages of Alcoholism 3rd Stage – Addiction
At this final stage, liver is damaged so less alcohol may be required to cause drunkenness. Withdrawal symptoms occur if person tries to stop drinking.

18. WWW.AA.ORG www.al-anon.alateen.org
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Al-Anon / Alateen