Alcohol Chapter 21

pp.564-583

The Health Risks of Alcohol Use

Lesson 1pp. 566-571

Alcohol is a drug that is addictive, physically damaging, and a

gateway to other drugs!

What is Alcohol?» Ethanol: Type of alcohol found in alcoholic

beverages. Very powerful and addictive. » Using alcohol during teen years can affect and

damage brain development» Produced synthetically and naturally by

fermenting fruits, vegetables, and grainshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ycnwc5vPaAo&feature=related

Fermentation: Chemical action of yeast on sugar.

» Water, flavoring, and minerals are mixed with ethanol to produce beverages like beer, wine, and flavored malt-liquors (whiskey & vodka)

Short-term Effects» Depressant: Alcohol is a powerful

depressant that slows the central nervous system. » Slows reaction time, impairs vision, diminishes

judgment» Intoxication: State in which the body is

poisoned by alcohol or another substance; and the person’s physical and mental control is significantly damaged.» Stays in a person’s system until liver can

metabolize it.(break it down).» Toxic levels vary from person to person

Factors that Influence Alcohol’s Effects

» Body Size: A smaller person might feel the effects faster than a larger person does.

» Gender: Moves faster into the bloodstream in females than males.

» Food: Slows down the passage of alcohol into the bloodstream.

Alcohol’s Effects Cont’d…» Rate of Intake: If you drink alcohol faster

than what your liver can metabolize, you’ll become intoxicated.

» Amount: The more you drink, the higher the level of alcohol is in your bloodstream.

» Medicine: Can interfere with the effects of medicines. Can heighten the effects of alcohol.

Alcohol and Drug Interactions

» Can lead to illness or death.» Body may absorb the drug or alcohol

more slowly, increasing the length of time that alcohol or the drug is in the body.

» Enzymes in the body can change some medications into chemicals that can damage the liver or other organs.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol

» Not only affects your life, but the lives of others around you.

• Damage brain cells and a reduction in overall size.

• Increase blood pressure.

• Increase fat cells in liver. Can lead to death.

• Destruction of pancreas.

Binge Drinking and Alcohol Poisoning

» Binge Drinking: Drinking 5 or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting. This is a serious problem. » Done by bet or dare/any other reason» Serious consequences: physical and mental abilities

lost (no control)» Alcohol Poisoning: A severe and potentially

fatal reaction to an alcohol overdose. » Depressant on body organs» Involuntary actions (breathing, gag reflex to

prevent choking) may be impaired» Alcohol is a stomach irritant

Effects of Alcohol Poisoning

» A person who drinks too much may pass out.

» Its not ok to let someone who drank too much just “Sleep it Off”

» Mental confusion» Coma» Vomit and

Seizures» Slow respiration» Irregular

heartbeat» Low body temp

Anti-Alcohol Commercial» http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIU2UXUlFyM